Retractable Camera Support Structure for Lens Collision Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera support structures fail to effectively protect the lens from damage during minor collisions, which can lead to scratches or breakage, necessitating frequent replacement.
Innovation Solution
A camera support structure featuring a cylinder, piston, annular bag, and interlocking members that retract the camera and lens into the cylinder during a collision, using a high-pressure gas-filled annular bag to cover the lens and a biasing mechanism to maintain imaging functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the camera is disposed adjacent to the exterior member of the vehicle, then the camera can be positioned for optimal imaging, but the lens is vulnerable to damage during minor collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a cushioning structure consisting of a cylinder, piston, and elastic annular bag filled with pressurized gas. This cushioning mechanism is pre-positioned between the camera lens and the exterior member to absorb impact forces during minor collisions, preventing direct contact between the lens and the collision force, thereby protecting the lens while maintaining the camera's optimal imaging position
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary cushioning structure (cylinder-piston-annular bag system) between the camera lens and the exterior member. This intermediary mechanism absorbs and dissipates collision forces, serving as a mediator that protects the lens from direct impact while allowing the camera to remain in its optimal imaging position adjacent to the exterior member
2Productivity
If the lens is exposed externally for imaging, then the camera can capture images effectively, but the lens is directly exposed to collision forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic protection mechanism where the piston can move axially within the cylinder, and the annular bag can expand and contract. During normal operation, the annular bag retracts to expose the lens for imaging. During collision, the piston moves and the annular bag expands to cover and protect the lens, thus achieving both effective imaging and protection dynamically
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protection mechanism is added for the lens, then lens damage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated cushioning structure. The cylinder, piston, and annular bag work together as a unified system that provides both mechanical support and impact protection. This merged structure protects the lens without requiring separate complex protection mechanisms, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective protection
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a mechanical support for the camera, provides impact absorption during collision, and enables dynamic lens protection. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate protection mechanisms, reducing device complexity while achieving comprehensive lens protection
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 structure effectively protects the lens by retracting it into the cylinder, reducing the risk of damage and enabling reuse, while maintaining the camera's imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The annular bag is made of an elastic material
Implementation Method 2
The annular bag is configured to store a gas with a pressure higher than an atmosphere pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A camera support structure for supporting a camera disposed adjacent to an exterior member includes a cylinder fixed to a vehicle body, a piston, an annular bag, and an interlocking member. The piston is inserted into the cylinder such that the piston is a relatively displaceable along an axial direction of the cylinder. The piston is configured to support the camera. The annular bag is provided between a peripheral edge of a lens of the camera and an end portion of the cylinder. The camera projects from the end portion of the cylinder. The interlocking member couples the exterior member and the piston. The interlocking member moves the piston in a direction in which the lens is retracted into the cylinder in response to displacement of the exterior member. The annular bag covers at least a part of a surface of the lens in response to movement of the piston.