On-vehicle camera mounting structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional on-vehicle camera mounting structures allow light from the vehicle interior to disturb the camera by creating a space between the camera and the window, leading to reflections that interfere with the camera's functionality.

Innovation Solution

An on-vehicle camera mounting structure with a bracket and a spring part that applies force towards the window, bringing the camera closer to the window and minimizing the space between the camera and the window, thereby reducing the impact of interior light reflections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a spring part applies force away from the window to separate the camera from the window, then the camera is protected from light reflections, but the space between the camera and window increases causing more light disturbance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight reflection disturbanceVSAvoidspace between camera and window

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The spring part applies force in the opposite direction (towards the window) compared to conventional structures. This inversion causes the camera to be pressed against the window rather than separated from it, thereby reducing the space between them and minimizing light reflection disturbances while maintaining camera protection through proper mounting structure design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the camera is separated from the window using a spring part, then mounting flexibility is improved, but light from the vehicle interior reflects off the window onto the camera more easily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting flexibilityVSAvoidinterior light reflection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of separating the camera from the window to gain mounting flexibility, the spring part is designed to press the camera against the window. This inverted approach maintains flexibility through the spring's mechanical properties while eliminating the harmful light reflection effect by minimizing the camera-window space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful effect of light reflection is extracted and eliminated by removing the space between the camera and window that enables reflection. The spring part provides mounting flexibility while the camera remains in contact with or very close to the window surface, preventing interior light from reflecting onto the camera sensor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 effectively reduces the influence of interior light on the camera, ensuring clearer images by maintaining the camera's proximity to the window and preventing light reflections from interfering with its operation.

Implementation Method 1

a spring part that is arranged in the bracket and applies force in a direction towards the window onto the on-vehicle camera

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9802550B2On-vehicle camera mounting structure

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

An on-vehicle camera mounting structure includes a bracket arranged on a window, and a spring part that is arranged in the bracket and applies force in a direction towards the window onto the on-vehicle camera.