Modular Vehicle Equipment Holder for Camera Coverage Across Vehicle Types

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for replacing vehicle exterior mirrors with cameras face challenges in widespread adoption due to issues related to vehicle type compatibility, aerodynamics, and sensor arrangement, which hinder effective integration and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A modular system comprising mounting plates, cameras, and a housing designed for multiple vehicle types, allowing cameras to view different areas around the vehicle, combined with additional sensors and lighting, and featuring a modular design for easy adaptation to various vehicles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If a device carrier with cameras is designed to replace exterior mirrors on vehicles, then the aerodynamic performance is improved, but the compatibility across different vehicle types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic noiseVSAvoidvehicle type compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device carrier system is segmented into a universal base unit (housing with cameras and sensors) and vehicle-specific mounting plates. This allows the core device carrier to remain standardized for aerodynamic efficiency while adapting to different vehicle types through interchangeable mounting plates with varying shapes and attachment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device carrier housing is designed as a universal component that can be mounted on various vehicle types (cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses) using different mounting plates. The standardized housing maintains consistent aerodynamic properties while the adaptable mounting system ensures compatibility across diverse vehicle platforms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If cameras are positioned to scan all areas around the vehicle, then the monitoring coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurroundings scanning coverageVSAvoidsensor arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cameras and various sensors (ultrasonic, radar, laser) are merged into a single integrated device carrier housing. This consolidation provides comprehensive surroundings scanning coverage while reducing overall system complexity compared to distributed sensor arrangements, and simplifies mounting and integration on the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4330084B1Equipment holder for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP4330084B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4330084B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4330084B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

An equipment holder (105) for a vehicle (100), the equipment holder (105) comprising the following: - a first camera (205); - a second camera (210); - a housing (240) for receiving the cameras (205, 210); - wherein the housing (240) is configured to be attached to a right-hand side or left-hand side exterior part of the vehicle (100); - so that the first camera (205) can view an area behind and to the side of the vehicle (100) and the second camera (210) can view an area to the side of the vehicle.