Removable Vehicle Camera Mount With NFC Positioning and Inductive Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle camera systems lack flexibility and reliability, particularly in applications where cameras need to be easily attached and detached from various vehicles, and there is a need for secure, wireless communication and power supply to facilitate integration into vehicle assistance systems.

Innovation Solution

A camera system with a holding device that allows for removable attachment to vehicles using wireless communication for position data exchange and inductive charging, featuring a switchable magnet for secure fastening and a signal amplifier to enhance signal range, enabling flexible use across multiple vehicles and robust image processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the camera is permanently installed on the vehicle, then the system reliability is improved, but the adaptability to different vehicles and locations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different vehicles
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent parts: a permanently installed holding device with communication interface on the vehicle, and a removable camera unit with its own communication interface. This segmentation allows the camera to be detached and transferred between vehicles while maintaining system functionality through wireless communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device is designed with universal compatibility to work with different camera models and vehicle types. The communication interface uses standard wireless protocols (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) that enable the system to adapt to various vehicles without requiring vehicle-specific modifications.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the camera is removably attached to the vehicle, then the adaptability to different vehicles is improved, but the system reliability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different vehiclesVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The communication interface establishes continuous feedback between the holding device and camera unit. Position data, status information, and control signals are exchanged wirelessly, allowing the system to maintain reliable operation even when the camera is removably attached. The feedback mechanism ensures the camera remains functional across different vehicles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection systems (cables, physical mounting) with wireless communication technology. The communication interface uses Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other wireless protocols to transmit data between the holding device and camera, eliminating the need for complex mechanical coupling while maintaining system reliability.

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

3Ease of operation

If wireless communication is implemented for position data exchange, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication interface automatically performs position data exchange between the holding device and camera without requiring manual configuration. The system self-configures wireless connections, automatically transmits position information, and maintains communication protocols, reducing operational complexity despite the added technological capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If inductive charging is used for power supply, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical charging connections (plugs, cables) with inductive charging technology. The power supply system uses electromagnetic induction to transfer energy wirelessly between the holding device and camera, eliminating the need for physical electrical connections while providing convenient power supply.

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

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 reliable, flexible, and efficient integration of mobile cameras into vehicle assistance systems, reducing software processing time and enhancing image stitching accuracy while providing theft protection and reliable power supply.

Implementation Method 1

The camera can be fastened to the holding device by means of magnets, for example

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The second communication interface is designed, when the camera is in a fastened state, to receive position data from the first communication interface by means of wireless near-field communication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The camera comprises an accumulator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy storage: Electrical Accumulator

Data Source

PatentUS12576798B2Camera system and assistance system for a vehicle and a method for operating a camera system
Publication Date: 2026.03.17 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • US12576798B2 patent drawing
  • US12576798B2 patent drawing
  • US12576798B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A camera system for a vehicle comprises a holding device that can be fastened to the vehicle and that comprises a first communication interface for wireless communication. A camera that comprises an accumulator and a second communication interface for wireless communication. The camera is removably fastened to the holding device, and the second communication interface is designed to receive position data from the first communication interface by means of wireless near-field communication in order to determine a position of the holding device relative to the vehicle when the camera is fastened to the holding device.