Rotating Mirror Switches Camera and Puddle Lamp Optical Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to minimize the occupied space in a side mirror while integrating a camera for a surround view monitor (SVM) with a puddle lamp, ensuring watertightness and reducing manufacturing costs, as the size reduction of side mirrors complicates the installation of multiple modules and increases design and cost considerations for ensuring watertightness.
Innovation Solution
A camera-puddle lamp integrated apparatus is designed with a lens module, image sensor, and a mirror module that rotates to switch between states, allowing the apparatus to function as either a puddle lamp or a camera, sharing a single lens module and optimizing space usage by adjusting the optical path and light source placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If the size of the side mirror is reduced to improve aerodynamics, then wind noise and fuel economy are improved, but the internal space becomes insufficient for installing multiple function modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera module and puddle lamp into a single integrated module that shares common components (lens, housing, mounting structure). This merging reduces the total volume required in the side mirror while maintaining both functions, thereby improving aerodynamics without sacrificing internal space for multiple modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module serves multiple functions (camera for SVM and puddle lamp illumination) within a single structural unit. This multi-functionality allows the side mirror to accommodate fewer separate modules, reducing overall size and improving aerodynamic performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple modules are mounted on the side mirror to provide various functions, then functional versatility is improved, but the number of design considerations for watertightness and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module and puddle lamp are merged into a single integrated assembly with shared housing and mounting structures. This reduces the number of separate watertight seals and mounting points required, thereby reducing design complexity while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module provides multiple functions (camera and illumination) through a single design unit, reducing the number of separate watertight enclosures needed. This universal design approach simplifies the overall sealing strategy and reduces manufacturing complexity.
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 integration minimizes the size of the camera monitor system, enhances watertightness, and reduces manufacturing costs by allowing the camera and puddle lamp to share components, while maintaining effective operation in both modes.
Implementation Method 1
the light path of the lens module is disposed to be reflected by the mirror and directed to the light source in the first state
Implementation Method 2
a lens module; an image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A camera-puddle lamp integrated apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprising a lens module; an image sensor; a light source; and a mirror module, the light source is disposed so that light emitted from the light source intersects an optical axis of the lens module in the first area, the light source being disposed in a second area outside the first area, the mirror module includes a mirror that is formed to rotate about one side thereof located in the second area as a rotation axis so as to switch between a first state where at least a portion of the mirror is moved to and disposed in the first area and a second state where the mirror is moved to and disposed in the second area, a light path of the lens module is disposed to be reflected by the mirror and directed to the light source in the first state, and the light path of the lens module is disposed to be directed to the image sensor in the second state, and the camera-puddle lamp integrated apparatus operates as a puddle lamp in the first state and operates as a camera in the second state.