Retractable Vehicle Camera Housing for Protected Side-Rear Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera monitoring systems on vehicles have limited extension range, are prone to damage or theft when retracted, and provide insufficient lateral-backward field of view.
Innovation Solution
A camera monitoring system with a movable housing and motor-driven mechanism that allows selective extension and retraction, featuring a CMS camera and AVM camera on a vehicle panel, controlled by a controller to provide a wider rear field of view and protect the camera from external damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the external camera is retracted into the door, then the camera is protected from external damage and theft, but the camera cannot capture images in the lateral-backward direction
Solution Approach 1:
The movable housing containing the camera is nested within the door housing, allowing the camera to be retracted into a protected position while still maintaining the ability to extend outward for image capture. The nested structure enables the camera to move between protected and operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera monitoring system transitions from a static fixed camera to a dynamic movable camera that can change position between retracted and extended states. The motor part enables dynamic movement of the movable housing along the housing, allowing the system to adapt between protection and operation modes.
2Ease of operation
If the external camera protrudes from the vehicle, then the camera can capture images in the lateral-backward direction, but the camera is exposed to damage and theft
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the camera position between protruding and retracted states based on operational needs. When image capture is required, the motor part extends the movable housing outward; when protection is needed, it retracts the camera into the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera monitoring system automatically controls its own protection and operation states through the controller that manages the motor part's movement, enabling the system to self-adjust between vulnerable and protected configurations based on operational requirements.
3Reliability
If the side mirror is folded inward, then the side mirror is protected from physical impact, but the driver cannot monitor the side view
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using the physical side mirror for monitoring, the system uses a camera to capture images that are then displayed on a display device inside the vehicle. This creates a visual copy of the side view, allowing the driver to monitor blind spots without needing the physical mirror in the extended position.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical side mirror system is replaced with an electronic camera-based monitoring system. The camera captures optical information that is then processed and displayed electronically, substituting the mechanical mirror function with an electronic imaging and display system.
4Device complexity
If the external camera has a limited extension range, then the camera structure remains compact, but the field of view in the lateral-backward direction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system achieves an extended field of view not by increasing linear extension distance, but by utilizing angular positioning and the strategic placement of the camera on the movable housing. The camera captures images at specific angles that provide lateral-backward coverage without requiring excessive extension distance.
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
The system ensures safe and reliable image capture in a lateral-backward direction even in a retracted position, enhancing vehicle safety by providing a wider field of view and protecting the camera from external hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a motor part configured to provide driving force by which the movable housing moves along the housing
Implementation Method 2
a transparent part disposed on the housing and located in an area facing the CMS camera when the movable housing is retracted into the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A camera monitoring system (CMS) disposed on a panel of a vehicle body. A housing is disposed on a vehicle body. A movable housing is movable along the housing. A CMS camera is disposed on one end of the movable housing. A motor part provides driving force by which the movable housing moves along the housing. A transparent part is disposed on the housing and is located in an area facing the CMS camera when the movable housing is retracted into the housing. A controller controls a driving amount of the motor part and controls turning on/off of the CMS camera.