Rear Backup Camera Assembly With Concealed Central Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear vision systems for vehicles face challenges in achieving a central, covert installation of imaging devices with a rearward and downward field of view, as they often require costly and complex mechanical extensions that are not widely commercialized.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system where the camera is positioned within an extender element that protrudes from the rear of the vehicle, disguised as a vehicle emblem or decal, allowing for a central and concealed installation without the need for complex mechanical extensions, utilizing a vehicle element such as an exterior trim component to camouflage the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the imaging device is centrally located at the rear of the vehicle, then the field of view is optimized for rear visibility, but the device cannot be installed due to obstruction by the trunk or lift gate release handle
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is extracted from the conventional license plate well location and repositioned to a centrally located recess in the rear of the vehicle. This extraction allows the device to be positioned where it provides optimal rear visibility while utilizing an available recess space that is not obstructed by the release handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is nested within a recess in the rear of the vehicle, similar to how a doll is nested within another doll. This nesting allows the device to be concealed within the vehicle's body structure, providing a clean aesthetic appearance while maintaining central positioning for optimal field of view.
2Ease of operation
If an extendable/retractable device is used to move the imaging device outward for enhanced field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a fully extendable/retractable mechanical system, the imaging device is positioned partially outward in a fixed recess. This partial positioning provides sufficient field of view enhancement without requiring the complexity of extension and retraction mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than extending the imaging device outward on demand, the design inverts the approach by permanently positioning the device in a recess that naturally provides the enhanced field of view. The recess itself becomes the mounting structure, eliminating the need for separate extension mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the imaging device is positioned outward from the rear surface to achieve downward field of view, then the field of view is enhanced, but the device becomes noticeable and affects vehicle aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is nested within a recess in the rear of the vehicle, allowing it to be positioned outward enough to achieve the desired downward field of view while remaining concealed within the vehicle's body structure. This nesting maintains the sleek aesthetic appearance by hiding the device within the existing contours of the vehicle rear.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess is specifically designed with local quality characteristics - it is positioned and sized to provide the exact field of view needed while blending with the surrounding body panels. The local geometry of the recess creates the functional advantage without creating a visually prominent feature.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular rear view monitor assembly includes an extender element configured to be disposed at a rear portion of a vehicle. The extender element includes an extender portion and an end portion, with a vehicle element attached at the end portion of the extender element. A rear backup camera assembly is at least partially disposed in a hollow portion of the extender portion. The rear backup camera assembly includes a CMOS color camera. With the extender element disposed at the rear portion of the vehicle, the CMOS color camera of the rear backup camera assembly captures images of at least an area immediately rearward of the vehicle. With the extender element disposed at the rear portion of the vehicle, the extender element is incapable of extending such that the rear backup camera assembly is non-movable relative to the rear portion of the vehicle.