Hidden Device Translating Cover Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera and sensor systems in vehicles face issues with dirt exposure, stone chipping, theft, and complex actuation mechanisms, which complicate achieving an unobstructed field of view and lead to mechanical adjustments that affect the viewing area over time.
Innovation Solution
A deployment assembly with a translatable cover and linkage system that allows the cover to move between open and closed positions without pivoting, using a single actuator to expose the device while maintaining an unobstructed field of view and displaying an emblem, and incorporating a restrictor member to stabilize the device's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pivoting cover is used to expose the device, then the device can be protected when not in use, but the cover ornamentation (emblem) is obstructed from viewing and the field of view is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the cover on a pivot axis as in conventional designs, this invention translates the cover linearly along the optical axis of the device. The cover moves from a closed position (protecting the device) to an open position (exposing the device and emblem), eliminating the obstruction problem while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover assembly is separated into independent functional components: the cover itself, the linkage mechanism, and the device mounting. This allows the cover to translate independently without rotating, preserving both emblem visibility and device protection functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a pivoting cover system is used, then the device can be exposed, but an additional actuator is required to achieve unobstructed field of view, complicating the assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The cover translation function and device exposure function are merged into a single actuated mechanism. One actuator drives the linkage system that simultaneously translates the cover and positions the device, eliminating the need for a second actuator required in conventional pivoting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator and linkage assembly perform multiple functions: translating the cover, exposing the device, and maintaining proper device positioning. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components and simplifies the overall assembly.
3Ease of operation
If movable camera or sensor components are introduced, then the device can be deployed, but mechanical wear and position shifts occur over time, affecting viewing area consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism incorporates geometric constraints and mechanical guides that provide passive feedback to maintain precise device positioning. The restrictor member engages with the linkage to ensure the device reaches and maintains its predetermined position, compensating for wear and vibrations without requiring active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage assembly is designed with built-in mechanical tolerance compensation and positioning features that anticipate and counteract wear and vibration effects. The restrictor member and guide structures pre-establish stable positioning geometry that remains consistent over time despite repeated actuation cycles.
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly for deploying a device from a cavity. The assembly includes a translatable cover and a mounting surface defining an opening sized to receive the translatable cover thereover. The device is received in the cavity beneath the mounting surface and is actuatable between a first device position and a second device position. A plurality of linkages are positioned within the cavity. At least one of the plurality of linkages is coupled to a power source for actuating the plurality of linkages and at least one of the plurality of linkages is coupled to the translatable cover and to the device. Thus, when the power source actuates the plurality of linkages, the translatable cover is translated relative to the mounting surface from a first cover position to a second cover position and the device is actuated from the first device position to the second device position.