Retractable Vehicle Camera Assembly With Elastic Motor Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric retractable periphery visual recognition devices for vehicles experience rattling issues due to the direct accommodation of motors between case and cover components, leading to inefficient rotation of the rotary body.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates a holding member with elastic properties, positioned between the motor and casings of higher rigidity, which absorbs dimensional tolerance variations, ensuring smooth rotation by reducing rattling and allowing precise attachment of the motor and speed reduction mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the motor is directly accommodated between the case and cover without additional holding structures, then the device complexity is reduced, but rattling occurs between the motor, case, and cover causing the rotary body to rotate unevenly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidrotation smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding member is introduced as an intermediary component between the motor and the case. It features a motor holding portion that engages with the motor's outer peripheral surface and a case holding portion that engages with the case's inner peripheral surface, thereby mediating the connection and eliminating rattling while ensuring smooth rotation of the rotary body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the motor is held firmly between rigid case components, then the motor position is stabilized, but the dimensional tolerance variations cause rattling and rotation issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor positioning accuracyVSAvoidrotation smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding member is designed with elastic properties, representing a change in the physical parameter of rigidity. This elasticity allows the holding member to absorb dimensional tolerance variations in the motor, case, and cover, preventing rattling while maintaining secure motor positioning and ensuring smooth rotation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If the motor axial direction intersects with the shaft direction for compact design, then the device volume is reduced, but the motor attachment becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice volumeVSAvoidattachment structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding member features locally differentiated structures: a motor holding portion with engagement protrusions designed to fit the motor's outer peripheral surface, and a case holding portion with corresponding engagement features for the case's inner peripheral surface. This localized structural differentiation enables secure attachment in the intersecting axial configuration while maintaining compact device volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration enables the visual recognition assembly to rotate smoothly, reduces manufacturing costs, and allows for a more compact design by intersecting the motor's axial direction with the shaft's, effectively replacing traditional mirrors with camera units.

Implementation Method 1

the holding member includes an elastic member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3922515B1Periphery visual recognition device for electric retractable vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 MISATO INDUSTRIES CO LTD
  • EP3922515B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3922515B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3922515B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

This disclosure comprises a base 2, a shaft 3, and a visual recognition assembly 4. The visual recognition assembly 4 has a housing 4H, a visual recognition unit 5, and an electric retractable unit 6. The electric retractable unit 6 has a shaft 3, casings 6U and 6D, a motor 7M, a speed reduction mechanism 7, and a holding member 7H. The casings 6U and 6D are configured by members that have a rigidity higher than that of the holding member 7H. The holding member 7H is configured by an elastic member. As a result, the present invention enables the visual recognition assembly 4 to rotate smoothly.