Integrated Spring Camera Module Attachment Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment arrangements for camera modules in vehicles experience high local loading on the base plate and camera module housing during tensioning, leading to increased assembly complexity and potential for misalignment, which can result in reduced precision and increased risk of unintended release during accidents.
Innovation Solution
Designing the spring as an integrated part of the housing or base plate, allowing for a single molding process and reducing assembly steps, with leaf springs extending from the base plate or housing to provide tensioning forces in multiple directions for precise positioning, and incorporating guiding surfaces and spherical protrusions for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate metal springs are used for tensioning the camera module, then the camera module can be securely tensioned to the base plate, but the assembly complexity increases and local loading on the base plate and housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is integrated directly into the base plate as a monolithic structure, eliminating the need for separate spring components and their associated assembly steps. The base plate and spring form a single piece that is manufactured together, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the tensioning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate serves multiple functions: it provides the mounting surface for the camera module, contains the integrated spring for tensioning, and structures the overall attachment arrangement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Reliability
If separate metal springs are used for tensioning, then the camera module can be securely mounted, but the manufacturing effort and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring and base plate are combined into a single manufactured component, eliminating the separate assembly step of installing springs into the base plate. This integration directly reduces assembly time and manufacturing effort.
3Force
If separate metal springs are used, then tensioning force can be applied, but high local loading occurs on the base plate and housing
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is designed with specific local geometries including curved regions and varying thicknesses that distribute the tensioning force more evenly. The integrated design allows for optimized stress distribution pathways within the base plate structure itself, reducing peak local loading compared to separate rigid spring components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces local loading on the base plate and camera module, simplifies assembly, and ensures high precision in camera module positioning, enhancing reliability and safety by eliminating the need for separate spring assembly and minimizing the risk of misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (8, 9, 10) which is arranged to get in contact with the housing (20) or with the protrusions (13, 14, 15) when the camera module (2) is inserted into the base plate (1), and which is designed to resiliently move with respect to the base plate (1) in a predetermined direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention concerns an attachment arrangement for a camera module (2) at a vehicle comprising a base plate (1) with attachment flanges (4,5,11) providing attachment openings (17,18,19), wherein the base plate (1) is attachable at a vehicle fixed structure, wherein the camera module (2) comprises a housing (20) and at least one camera (3) arranged therein, wherein the housing (20) comprises protrusions (13,14,15) extending outwardly form the housing (20) and shaped to engage in a mounting position into the attachment openings (17,18,19), wherein at least one spring (8,9,10) is provided for tensioning the camera module (2) to the mounting position when the camera module (2) is mounted at the vehicle, wherein -the spring (8,9,10) is designed as an integrated part of the housing (20) or the base plate (1).