Modular PCB Camera System for Vehicle Adaptability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera systems require complex and costly changes to the entire circuit board layout to adapt or modify functions, making it difficult and expensive to quickly respond to customer requirements for new camera variants.
Innovation Solution
A modular camera system with a standardized family of parts, featuring a lens and multiple printed circuit boards with defined connection units for easy electrical connection, allowing for the addition or removal of functions such as image processing, signal transmission, and power supply, enabling quick and cost-effective adaptation to customer needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional stacked circuit boards with predetermined layouts are used, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to different customer requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board system is divided into multiple independent modules, each providing a specific function (image recording, image processing, signal transmission, power supply, etc.). These modules can be selectively assembled to create different camera variants, enabling adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the entire circuit board layout.
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized connection unit design is implemented across all circuit board modules, allowing the same base structure to support multiple functions through different module combinations. This universal interface enables a single circuit board platform to serve multiple customer requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire circuit board layout is changed to exchange or add functions, then functional adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost and development effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the circuit board into standardized modules with fixed layouts, the need to redesign entire boards is eliminated. Only the specific functional modules need to be changed or added, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining functional adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board modules are pre-designed and pre-assembled with standardized connection interfaces. This preliminary preparation allows for quick configuration of different camera variants by simply selecting and assembling the required modules, avoiding costly last-minute redesigns and rework.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular printed circuit boards with connection units are used, then adaptability and ease of customization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized connection unit serves as a universal interface for all modular circuit boards, providing geometric and electrical compatibility across different modules. This universality simplifies the assembly process and reduces the complexity of managing multiple connection types, despite the modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
All circuit board modules use identical connection unit designs with standardized geometric and electrical characteristics. This homogeneity in the interface design ensures that modules can be freely combined without increasing assembly complexity, as the same connection protocol and physical interface are used throughout the system.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Camera system for a vehicle, comprising a lens (2); a first circuit board (5) equipped with an image sensor (4) for capturing image information obtained via the lens (2); and at least one further circuit board (7, 11) providing a predetermined basic function for the camera system (10, 20), wherein the first circuit board (5) and each of the at least one further circuit board (7, 11) have at least one connection unit (6) via which the circuit boards (5, 7, 11) can each be electrically connected to each other in a modularly interchangeable manner for adapting the functional scope of the camera system (10, 20) according to the predetermined basic function, wherein the at least one connection unit (6) has a plurality of groups of electrical connections (A, B, C, D) via which the first circuit board (5) can be connected to the at least one further circuit board (7, 11) to provide the predetermined basic function for the camera system (10, 20).