Liftgate Rear Camera Mounting for Accurate Visibility Alignment

Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of rear-view cameras on liftgates is often obstructed by structural members and moving parts, leading to non-compliance with manufacturer recommendations and inaccurate visibility guidelines due to relocation from the recommended position.

Innovation Solution

A liftgate assembly with adjustable camera mounts and internal wiring paths that allow for precise positioning and angle adjustment of the camera near the manufacturer's suggested location, while protecting the camera and wiring from damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the camera is mounted on the liftgate platform to facilitate materials handling, then the camera positioning is obstructed by structural members and moving parts, but the camera can be installed on the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera installationVSAvoidcamera positioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into multiple components: a mounting bracket with multiple mounting holes, a camera assembly, and a vehicle tailgate. This segmentation allows the camera to be positioned at different locations on the bracket to achieve proper alignment with the vehicle's rear camera system while accommodating the liftgate's structural members and moving parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket is designed to be adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the camera position to be dynamically modified during installation. The bracket can be positioned at various heights and angles to compensate for the liftgate's structural interference and ensure the camera falls within the manufacturer's recommended zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the camera is relocated from the manufacturer recommended zone due to obstructions, then the camera can be installed on the liftgate, but visibility guidelines become inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera installation feasibilityVSAvoidvisibility guideline accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into multiple components: a mounting bracket with multiple mounting holes, a camera assembly, and a vehicle tailgate. This segmentation allows the camera to be positioned at different locations on the bracket to achieve proper alignment with the vehicle's rear camera system while accommodating the liftgate's structural members and moving parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket allows for adjustment of the camera's position parameters (height, horizontal position, and angle) to optimize visibility. By changing these parameters, the camera can be positioned to fall within or close to the manufacturer's recommended zone, ensuring accurate visibility guidelines are maintained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the camera is positioned close to the manufacturer's suggested location, then visibility standards are met, but structural members and moving parts obstruct the mounting path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera position complianceVSAvoidmounting path obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into multiple components: a mounting bracket with multiple mounting holes, a camera assembly, and a vehicle tailgate. This segmentation allows the camera to be positioned at different locations on the bracket to achieve proper alignment with the vehicle's rear camera system while accommodating the liftgate's structural members and moving parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket extends the mounting options into multiple dimensions by providing holes at various heights and positions. This dimensional extension allows the camera to be mounted in locations that avoid interference from structural members and moving parts while still achieving proper alignment with the vehicle's rear camera system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250346184A1Liftgate rear camera system and method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 BUS BROWN INC

AI summary

A liftgate with rearward facing camera is provided. The rearward facing camera is positioned on the liftgate such as to comply with manufacturer recommended placement guidelines. The liftgate is moveable between stowed and deployed configurations, and the rearward facing camera is protected from damage when the liftgate is in the deployed configuration. The camera assembly includes at least one protective element. Accommodation is made for the routing and protection of wiring associated with the camera.