Windshield-Mounted Forward Camera Support for Easy Glass Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle imaging systems require recalibration and costly replacement of windshield-mounted components when the windshield is damaged, as the components are typically attached directly to the windshield and must be removed and reattached during replacement.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle vision system with a forward viewing camera module mounted to a separable support structure that is coplanar with the windshield, allowing the windshield to be replaced without removing the camera module, which remains attached to the vehicle's in-cabin surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the camera module is mounted directly to the windshield, then the camera can view forward through the windshield, but the camera module must be removed and recalibrated when the windshield is replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is segmented into a support structure that is separable from the windshield. The camera module is mounted to the support structure rather than directly to the windshield, allowing the windshield to be replaced independently while the camera module remains in place on the support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A support structure is introduced as an intermediary between the windshield and the camera module. This support structure has an outer surface coplanar with the windshield's outer surface and allows the camera to view forward through it. The support structure remains mounted to the vehicle's in-cabin surface while the windshield can be replaced without affecting the camera module's mounting.
2Ease of repair
If the camera module is mounted directly to the windshield, then the mounting is simple, but costly replacement and recalibration are required when the windshield is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separable components: the windshield and the support structure with camera module. This segmentation allows the windshield to be replaced without disturbing the camera module, eliminating recalibration costs and reducing labor requirements while maintaining simple mounting through the support structure.
3Loss of time
If the camera module is mounted to a separable support structure, then the windshield can be replaced without removing the camera module, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed as a separable component that can remain mounted to the vehicle while the windshield is replaced. This segmentation eliminates the time-consuming process of removing and recalibrating the camera module during windshield replacement, reducing replacement time while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting surface for the camera module, maintains the coplanar outer surface with the windshield for proper viewing angle, and remains fixed to the vehicle while allowing windshield replacement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, keeping the structure relatively simple while achieving time savings.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular vision system includes a camera module mounted at a mounting structure that is disposed at a windshield of a vehicle equipped with the vehicular vision system. The camera module views through a light transmitting portion of the mounting structure and forward of the vehicle. The camera module includes a camera and circuitry including an image processor, with the image processor processing image data captured by the camera. With the windshield mounted at the vehicle and the camera module mounted at the mounting structure, the windshield is separable from the mounting structure so that the windshield is removable from the vehicle without removing the mounting structure from the vehicle and without affecting mounting of the camera module at the mounting structure.