Retractable Vehicle Camera Mount for Wide View and Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle rear-view image acquisition devices are fragile and prone to degradation when parked, with limited field of view and image quality due to their proximity to the outer vehicle surface.

Innovation Solution

A movable image acquisition device that can transition between a deployed position extending outside the vehicle for wide-area image capture and a retracted position mostly inside the vehicle, reducing exposure and enhancing field of view and image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the image sensor extends outside the vehicle to capture wide-area images, then the field of view and image quality are improved, but the sensor becomes fragile and susceptible to degradation when parked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidsensor fragility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The image acquisition device is made movable between a deployed position (extending outside the vehicle for wide-area imaging) and a retracted position (retracted inside the vehicle for protection). This dynamic positioning allows the system to optimize between image quality and sensor protection depending on operational conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support member is divided into distinct regions: an outer surface extending outside the vehicle and an inner surface extending inside the vehicle. The image sensor can be positioned relative to either surface depending on whether wide-area imaging or protection is the priority

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the image sensor is positioned immediately adjacent to the outer surface to reduce clutter, then device complexity outside the vehicle is reduced, but the field of view and image quality are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexternal clutterVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The image sensor is extended away from the outer surface along the base in the deployed position, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to achieve wide-area imaging without increasing the lateral footprint or clutter on the outer surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the image sensor extends outside the vehicle for wide-area imaging, then the field of view is improved, but the sensor is exposed to environmental degradation when parked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidenvironmental degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The image acquisition device periodically transitions between deployed and retracted positions based on operational needs. During active driving, the device is deployed for wide-area imaging; during parking, the device is retracted to protect the sensor from environmental factors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The image sensor is extracted from the protected interior environment and extended outside the vehicle only when needed for wide-area imaging. When not in use, the sensor is taken back inside the vehicle to eliminate exposure to harmful environmental factors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11851005B2Vehicle visualization system comprising an acquisition device movable between a deployed position and a retracted position

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 FAURECIA INTERIEUR IND

AI summary

A visualization system that includes a support member, defining an outer surface and an inner surface, and a visualization device having at least one display device extending on the inner surface of the support member and at least one image acquisition device. The acquisition device includes an image sensor and a base and is movable in relation to the support member between a deployed position, in which the base extends mainly on the outer surface side of the support member, and a retracted position, wherein the base extends mainly on the inner surface side of the support member.