Extendable Camera Tessellated Housing Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicular vision systems lack the ability to provide an enhanced, adjustable, and aesthetically integrated side and rearward view using extendable and retractable camera devices that can dynamically change their position and field of view to assist drivers in maneuvering and object detection.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a camera monitoring system with side-mounted camera devices that have a tessellated housing structure made of individually movable elements, allowing for extension and retraction, and adjustable positioning to provide a flush or curved outer surface, enabling enhanced viewing angles and improved aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the camera device is extended outward from the vehicle side, then the field of view and viewing angle are enhanced, but the aerodynamic performance and aesthetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The camera device is designed with extendable and retractable capability, allowing it to dynamically change its position relative to the vehicle side. When extended, it provides an enhanced field of view for improved object detection; when retracted, it maintains a sleek appearance and reduces aerodynamic drag by being flush with the vehicle surface.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the camera device is extended outward from the vehicle side, then the viewing angle is enhanced, but the vehicle appearance and aerodynamics worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The camera device transitions between extended and retracted states to dynamically adjust the viewing angle. When extended, it provides an enhanced viewing angle for better side and rearward visibility; when retracted, it maintains a clean, integrated appearance by being flush with the vehicle side surface.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the camera device is retracted into the vehicle body, then the aerodynamic performance and appearance are improved, but the field of view and protection are enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The camera device is designed to retract into the vehicle body when not in use, reducing aerodynamic drag and maintaining a sleek appearance. When needed for enhanced monitoring or object detection, it extends outward to provide an improved field of view, thus dynamically optimizing both aerodynamic performance and detection capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the camera device is made extendable and retractable, then the adaptability and viewing flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera device housing is divided into multiple individually movable elements or blocks that can independently shift relative to one another. This segmentation allows the housing to change its outer surface configuration from flush to curved or extended shapes, providing viewing flexibility without requiring a completely complex mechanical extension mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera device incorporates extendable and retractable mechanisms that allow it to dynamically adjust its position and orientation. This enables the device to adapt to different viewing requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure when in its retracted or flush state.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular imaging system includes an electronic control unit (ECU) and a camera device disposed at a body portion of the vehicle. The camera device includes structure that supports a camera and that is movable between a stowed position, where the structure and camera are within the body portion, and an extended position, where the structure and camera are extended outward from the body portion so that the camera is positioned with a field of view exterior of the vehicle. The structure includes a plurality of individually movable elements that are disposed adjacent one another and that cooperate to form the outer surface. The individually movable elements, when moved relative to the body portion of the vehicle, cooperate to extend and retract the camera. The camera, when the structure is in the extended position, captures image data and provides captured image data to the ECU.