Modular Sensor Housing for Liftgate Backup Camera Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of a liftgate on pickup trucks poses a challenge as it requires removal of the bumper and tailgate, which leaves backup cameras and sensors unsupported, and existing mounting locations for these safety features are obstructed by the liftgate, hindering their functionality.
Innovation Solution
A modular sensor housing with rearward-facing apertures and adaptable mounting brackets is provided to relocate and support the backup cameras and proximity sensors, allowing them to maintain visibility and functionality during liftgate installation, by attaching them to the inside of the liftgate's modular sensor housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a liftgate is installed on a pickup truck, then the vehicle gains enhanced cargo access and utility, but the backup camera and sensors become unsupported and lose their mounting location
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is divided into a modular assembly that can be independently mounted on the liftgate. This segmentation allows the camera and sensor mounting function to be separated from the original bumper/tailgate locations, enabling the liftgate installation while preserving safety feature functionality through the modular sensor housing assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the liftgate installation and the camera/sensor mounting requirements. By providing a dedicated mounting structure on the liftgate, it mediates between the conflicting needs of cargo access and safety feature support
2Reliability
If the backup camera is mounted inside the tailgate or bumper, then rear visibility is achieved, but the liftgate cannot be installed as these locations are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting the camera inside the tailgate or bumper as traditionally done, the sensor housing is inverted to the exterior surface of the liftgate. This inversion relocates the camera and sensors to a position that does not obstruct liftgate installation while still providing the required rear visibility coverage
3Adaptability or versatility
If the backup camera is relocated to the liftgate, then liftgate installation is enabled, but the camera mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing combines multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: mounting bracket, camera holder, sensor holder, and protective enclosure. This merging reduces the overall complexity by consolidating what would otherwise be separate components into one pre-assembled unit that simplifies installation
Data Source
AI summary
A liftgate is provided with a modular sensor housing that spans a substantial portion of the width of the liftgate. The sensor housing has a plurality of rearward-facing apertures adapted to permit the cameras and/or proximity sensors from the vehicle to “see” through the housing. The sensor housing incorporates a plurality of sensor mounting brackets specifically adapted to the particular configuration of the vehicle sensors. The modular sensor housing enables a liftgate to be installed without disabling the rearview camera and proximity sensors.