Integrated Vehicle Camera Housing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices for vehicles are complex in configuration and do not effectively manage air resistance and field of view, with separate attachment brackets and housing that can lead to increased load input and air resistance.
Innovation Solution
An integrated imaging device with a support body attached to the vehicle body side, featuring an attachment body that covers the imaging unit and houses wiring vertically, reducing air resistance and load input, and allowing for a smaller profile and improved field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate attachment bracket and housing are used, then the imaging device can be assembled from modular components, but the configuration becomes complex and air resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment bracket and housing are merged into a single integrated housing structure that performs both functions: supporting the imaging unit and protecting it. This eliminates the need for separate components, simplifying the overall configuration while maintaining manufacturability through integrated molding or fabrication processes.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate attachment bracket and housing are used, then components can be manufactured independently, but air resistance and load input increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the attachment bracket and housing into a single streamlined structure, the overall profile is optimized to reduce air resistance. The integrated design eliminates gaps and misalignments between separate components, creating a smoother aerodynamic surface while still allowing independent manufacturing of the housing body.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed with a compact vertical profile where the support body height is smaller than the imaging unit height, allowing the imaging unit to extend rearward. This dimensional arrangement reduces the frontal area exposed to air flow, minimizing air resistance while maintaining structural integrity.
3Strength
If larger support body is used, then the imaging unit is better supported and protected, but the field of view is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with a compact vertical dimension where the support body height is intentionally made smaller than the imaging unit height. This allows the imaging unit to extend beyond the housing in the vertical direction, ensuring an unobstructed field of view while the housing provides adequate support and protection from the rear and sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing provides localized protection where needed - supporting the imaging unit from the rear and sides - while leaving the front and top surfaces open to maximize the field of view. This selective protection approach ensures structural strength without compromising imaging performance.
4Ease of manufacture
If wiring is not housed vertically, then wiring routing is simpler, but the wiring may come out from the housing section
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring is routed vertically within the housing, utilizing the vertical space between the support body and the top surface. This vertical routing direction, combined with the housing's engaged side face design, effectively secures the wiring in place while maintaining a clean and organized appearance.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
In an imaging device, a stay is supported at a side door of a vehicle, and a camera module is attached to a camera cover. The stay and the camera cover are integrally molded together. This enables a simple configuration.