Elastic Retainer Ring for Camera Module Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems for motor vehicles face challenges in accurately attaching and orienting camera modules within camera housings due to variations in mounting forces and tolerances, leading to potential tilting and misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A camera module attachment system utilizing a closed, elastically deformable retainer ring with a rigid and flexible material combination, featuring radially outward protrusions and a partially slit design, which allows for easy alignment and secure fixation without additional bores, distributing forces evenly and reducing assembly steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple assembly steps with pins and bores are used to attach the camera module, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple attachment functions (positioning, orientation, and fixation) into a single integrated retainer ring component. The retainer ring simultaneously performs all attachment tasks that previously required separate pins, bores, and multiple assembly steps, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining attachment reliability through its elastic deformation and locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer ring acts as an intermediary element between the camera module and camera housing part. It mediates the attachment process by providing a standardized interface with radially outwardly directed protrusions that engage with corresponding features on both components, simplifying the overall assembly while ensuring reliable connection
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple assembly steps are used to fix the camera module, then the attachment precision is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer ring is pre-configured with radially outwardly directed protrusions and elastic deformation characteristics before assembly. This preliminary preparation allows the ring to automatically self-align and engage with the camera module and housing part in a single motion, achieving both high attachment precision and rapid assembly without requiring multiple adjustment steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical system of multiple pins, bores, and fastening steps with an elastic retainer ring mechanism. The ring's elastic deformation allows it to flex during insertion and then lock into place, providing precise attachment in a single action that significantly increases assembly productivity
3Manufacturing precision
If a rigid retainer ring is used for attachment, then the position-fixed orientation is improved, but the ease of assembly deteriorates due to high assembly forces required
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer ring utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter change during assembly. The ring is designed to temporarily deform elastically under assembly forces, allowing easy insertion and engagement, then maintains its rigid form to provide stable, position-fixed orientation of the camera module once attached. This dynamic parameter change resolves the contradiction between rigidity and ease of assembly
4Reliability
If additional bores and components are used for attachment, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the quantity of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate attachment components (pins, bores, fasteners) into a single integrated retainer ring. This consolidation reduces the quantity of parts while maintaining attachment reliability through the ring's elastic locking mechanism that provides secure fixation without requiring multiple discrete components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances attachment accuracy and reduces the influence of assembly forces on the camera module's orientation, ensuring precise positioning and sealing while simplifying the assembly process by using a single part for attachment and minimizing the need for additional components.
Implementation Method 1
the retainer ring is elastically deformable, and the retainer ring is attached by pushing it over the at least one protrusions under elastic deformation of the retainer ring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3B
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
An imaging system for a motor vehicle, comprising a camera housing part (16) and at least one camera module (1) to be mounted to said camera housing part (16), wherein the camera module (1) is provided with at least one radially outwardly directed protrusion (4), and a closed retainer ring (10) is provided, wherein the retainer ring (10) is elastically deformable and comprises a first ring element (12) made from a rigid material and a second ring element (13) made from a flexible material, and the retainer ring (10) is attached by pushing it over the at least one protrusion (4) under elastic deformation of the retainer ring (10) to an attachment position, wherein the camera module (1) is attached to the camera housing part (16) by being clamped to the camera housing part (16) when the retainer ring (10) is in the attachment position.