Four-Joint Camera Holder with Segmented Carriage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera devices for parking aids in vehicles are complex, expensive, and inflexible, with fixed camera installations that are difficult to maintain and repair, and require excessive space due to multiple components, limiting their ability to accommodate different camera models and providing inadequate protection.

Innovation Solution

A compact camera device with a carriage system using a transmission mechanism involving two rocking elements and four joints, allowing for interchangeable cameras and a protective cover that can be easily opened and closed, reducing installation space and ensuring camera protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed camera installation is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate different camera models and maintenance is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate different camera modelsVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into a housing and a separable carriage assembly. The carriage can be independently removed from the housing, allowing the camera to be exchanged without replacing the entire device. This segmentation enables different camera models to be accommodated while keeping the main housing structure simple and reusable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate different camera models on the carriage. The housing serves multiple functions: providing structural support, housing the drive mechanism, and offering a standardized interface for interchangeable carriages with different cameras.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple adjustment mechanisms are used for camera and cover element, then the camera and cover can be independently adjusted, but the device becomes structurally complicated and requires more space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent adjustment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover element is merged with the carriage assembly rather than being a separate adjustable component. When the carriage is moved between rest and operating positions, the cover element moves with it, providing protection automatically without requiring a separate adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The carriage movement itself serves the dual function of positioning the camera and adjusting the cover element. The single drive mechanism that moves the carriage automatically performs both functions, eliminating the need for additional adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If the cover element is fixedly arranged on the housing, then the cover is securely positioned, but the device is irreparably damaged when the cover element is damaged in an accident

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover element positioning stabilityVSAvoiddevice damage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover element is segmented from the housing by being attached to the removable carriage. This segmentation ensures that when the carriage (with its cover) is damaged in an accident, the housing and its drive mechanism remain intact and undamaged, allowing the device to be repaired by simply replacing the carriage assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover element is extracted from the permanent housing structure and relocated to the removable carriage. This extraction protects the main housing from damage while maintaining cover protection functionality, as the cover moves with the carriage which can be easily replaced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Volume of moving object

If a compact design with two rocking elements is used, then the installation space is reduced, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidtransmission mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The two rocking elements are nested within the housing in a compact arrangement, with the first rocking element connected to the drive and the second rocking element connected to the carriage. This nested configuration allows the complex four-joint mechanism to be contained within a minimal space, achieving compactness without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2906448B1Device for holding a camera having four joints
Publication Date: 2017.09.20 HUF HÜLSBECK & FÜRST GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2906448B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2906448B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2906448B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for holding a camera, which serves in particular as a parking assistance in a vehicle, said device having a housing (10) in which a carriage (20), to which said camera can be secured, is movably accommodated, wherein said carriage (20) can be driven by a gear system (30). The gear system (30) has a first swiveling element (31) and a second swiveling element (32) which are connected to the carriage (20) in an articulated matter, and each swiveling element (31, 32) is rotatably mounted on the housing (10) in such a way and the carriage (20) is rotatably mounted on each swiveling element (31, 32) in such a way that the carriage (20), between a resting position (A) and an operating position (B), carries out at least a first movement phase (I) and a second movement phase (II).