Modular Dual-Direction Camera Assembly With Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems for vehicles often require separate installations for dual-directional views, which are costly and time-consuming due to the need for two separate cameras, and may be complex and expensive to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A modular camera assembly comprising a first image capture device and a second image capture device that are electro-mechanically coupled via complementary couplings, allowing them to be removably connected and share data transfer, with magnetic elements for alignment and coupling assistance, enabling bidirectional imaging without the need for separate units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate cameras are installed for dual-directional views, then the ability to capture images from multiple directions is improved, but the cost and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate camera units into a single integrated camera assembly where two image capture devices are mounted on a common housing structure. This merging allows dual-directional imaging (forward and rearward views) to be achieved through one installation unit rather than two separate cameras, directly reducing installation time while maintaining multi-directional capability
Solution Approach 2:
The camera assembly is designed as a universal unit that can capture images in multiple directions simultaneously. The housing structure accommodates multiple image capture devices with different orientations, enabling the single assembly to perform the function of multiple separate cameras for both forward and rearward views
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate cameras are installed for dual-directional views, then the ability to capture images from multiple directions is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate camera units into one integrated assembly, reducing the quantity of camera units from two to one while maintaining the ability to capture images in multiple directions through strategically positioned image capture devices on a common housing
3Quantity of substance
If a single camera unit with multiple lenses is used for dual-directional views, then the number of units is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera assembly is segmented into modular components: a common housing structure and multiple independently mountable image capture devices. This segmentation allows each camera device to be manufactured separately using standard production processes, then assembled into the final assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity compared to producing integrated multi-lens cameras
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple image capture devices in different orientations. This universal design simplifies manufacturing by using a single housing type for all units, while the modular camera devices can be produced through standard camera manufacturing processes
4Reliability
If installation data and power cables for dual camera arrangement is done, then connectivity is established, but the installation process becomes time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data and power cable connections into a single integrated connector system within the camera assembly. By merging multiple connection functions into one unified interface, the number of separate cable installation steps is reduced, decreasing installation time while ensuring reliable data and power connectivity between the camera assembly and the vehicle system
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 simplifies the installation and reduces costs by allowing a single unit to capture images from two directions, providing a cost-effective and efficient means to record video footage in both forward and rearward directions, enhancing the user's ability to understand driving incidents.
Implementation Method 1
with magnetic elements for alignment and coupling assistance
Data Source
AI summary
A first image capture device is operative to capture images in a first direction, the first image capture device comprising a first coupling configured to receive a complementary coupling of a second image capture device; the first image capture device further comprising a housing, a portion of which comprises a recessed area in the surface of the housing of the first image capture device; a second image capture device removably coupleable to the first image capture device and operative to capture images in a second direction different to the first direction, the second image capture device comprising a second coupling; the second image capture device further comprising a housing, a portion of which comprises a lug extending from the surface of the housing, wherein the first and second couplings are configured to electro-mechanically couple the second image capture device to the first image capture device by complementary inter-engagement.