Pivotable Camera Support with Guide Rail and Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle side mirrors and camera supports are rigid, leading to potential damage during contact with external objects and potentially causing damage to those objects as well, as they cannot adjust effectively to changing environments.
Innovation Solution
A support system for cameras or sensors on motor vehicles that includes a pivotable bracket element connected to a guide rail, allowing for movement relative to the vehicle body, with a spring element for assisted pivoting and a rotatable end for smooth displacement, enabling the camera to adjust its position without rigid attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the camera is arranged rigidly on the bodywork, then the camera maintains stable positioning, but contact with external objects may damage the support or camera and potentially damage the objects as well
Solution Approach 1:
The support system transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic movable structure. The bracket element can pivot relative to the main body along a guide rail, allowing the camera to move when contacted by external objects, thereby reducing damage risk while maintaining operational stability through controlled movement ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system changes its physical state by introducing a spring element that can deflect, altering the rigidity parameter. The spring allows controlled movement and energy absorption during contact events, transforming the support from completely rigid to elastically compliant, reducing harmful impact forces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support is made movable to reduce damage risk, then the camera can adjust position flexibly, but the positioning stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements controlled dynamics where the bracket element can move along the guide rail but within defined limits. The guide structure constrains the movement path, and the spring element provides restoring force, ensuring the camera returns to or maintains its operational position while allowing necessary flexibility for safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rail acts as an intermediary between the rigid main body and the movable bracket element. It transmits controlled movement while maintaining structural connection, allowing the bracket to pivot flexibly without completely decoupling from the main body, thus preserving positioning stability during normal operation.
3Ease of operation
If a spring element is added to assist pivoting, then the bracket element can move more smoothly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element changes the mechanical parameter of the pivoting system by introducing elastic compliance. This allows smooth, controlled movement of the bracket element along the guide rail, transforming abrupt rigid movements into gradual elastic deformations that absorb energy and reduce friction impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-installed in the support structure to provide cushioning before contact events occur. It is positioned to deflect during pivoting movements, absorbing energy and smoothing the transition, thereby reducing the need for complex active control mechanisms.
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 design allows for safer and more adaptable camera positioning, reducing the risk of damage to both the support and external objects by enabling flexible movement and adjustment in response to contact or changing environments.
Implementation Method 1
The bracket element is connected to the main body via at least one spring element
Data Source
AI summary
A support for a camera on a motor vehicle, including at least a main body with a guide and a bracket element which is pivotable relative to the main body and is connected to the main body via at least one guide rail, and which extends along an extent between a first end and a second end, wherein the camera may be arranged on the second end, wherein the first end is arranged on the guide, wherein the bracket element is pivotably connected to the at least one guide rail between the first end and the second end, and wherein, when the bracket element is pivoted, the first end is displaceable along the guide and the bracket element is displaceable along the at least one guide rail.