Removable Vehicle Camera Mount With Battery Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle camera systems are inflexible and require permanent power supplies, limiting their application and operational time.

Innovation Solution

A modular camera system with a removable mounting device and rechargeable battery, allowing wireless energy transfer and flexible attachment to vehicles using magnets, enabling operation without fixed installations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a permanent power supply is used for the camera system, then the camera can operate continuously, but the system loses flexibility and requires fixed installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational timeVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system is divided into separate modular components: the camera unit, the mounting device with battery, and the vehicle interface. This segmentation allows the camera to be detached and transferred between different vehicles while the mounting device provides portable power through its integrated battery, resolving the contradiction between continuous operation and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting device is designed with universal functionality to interface with different vehicle types through various mounting mechanisms (magnetic, mechanical, adhesive). The battery-powered design enables the same device to operate cameras on multiple different vehicles without requiring permanent installation, achieving both extended operational time and adaptability.

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

2Reliability

If the camera is permanently installed on the vehicle, then the system is stable and reliable, but it cannot be easily removed or transferred to other vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidtransferability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device incorporates dynamic mounting mechanisms that allow the camera system to transition between different states: securely attached to a vehicle for stable operation, and easily detached for transfer. The magnetic mounting and mechanical release mechanisms provide reliable attachment during use while enabling quick removal when needed, balancing stability with transferability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If a fixed installation with permanent power supply is used, then the camera operates without interruption, but the system complexity increases due to wiring and installation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational availabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical wiring and permanent electrical installations with wireless communication and battery-powered operation. The camera communicates with the vehicle systems wirelessly, and the mounting device's battery eliminates the need for permanent electrical connections, significantly reducing installation complexity while maintaining operational availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the camera is battery-powered with removable battery, then the system is flexible and portable, but the operational time is limited by battery capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidoperational time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device merges the battery power source with the camera system, creating an integrated power-carrying unit. This combination allows the camera to be powered portably without fixed installation while the battery can be recharged or replaced to extend operational time, resolving the contradiction between portability and operational duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables flexible use and extended operational time of vehicle cameras, eliminating the need for permanent power supplies and allowing easy attachment and detachment from various vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

The holding device can be attached to the vehicle, for example by means of a magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The energy transmitting device and the energy receiving device each have, for example, a coil. Electrical energy can be transmitted wirelessly from the energy transmitting device to the energy receiving device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3970357B1Camera system and assistance system for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP3970357B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3970357B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3970357B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A camera system for a vehicle has: - a retaining device (101), which can be removably fastened to the exterior of the vehicle and which has a storage battery (104), - a camera (103), which can be removably fastened to the retaining device (101), wherein electrical energy can be transmitted from the storage battery (104) to the camera (103) in order to operate said camera.