Snap-Fit Camera Mount with Guided Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera mounting systems in vehicles are fragile and prone to damage during repeated mounting and dismounting, and may suffer from misassembly issues due to poorly oriented locking grooves, which compromises safety and maintenance accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A module and support structure assembly with guided positioning members and snap-fit fixation mechanisms that ensure proper orientation and engagement of the module, reducing the risk of damage and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly, featuring protrusions and cavities that assist in rotating the module into a fixed position and incorporating guide features to prevent misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a releasable fixation system (snap fit) is used to allow removal of the camera for maintenance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the fixtures become fragile and may be damaged during repeated mounting/dismounting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates guide features (protrusions and cavities) that perform preliminary alignment of the camera module with the mounting bracket before the snap-fit engagement occurs. This preliminary action ensures proper orientation and prevents misalignment damage during repeated mounting and dismounting operations, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and reliability
2Ease of operation
If locking grooves are oriented downwards to facilitate detachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to misassembly issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric guide features where protrusions on one component fit into specifically shaped cavities on the mating component. This asymmetric design provides fool-proof alignment, ensuring the camera can only be assembled in the correct orientation while still facilitating easy detachment through the snap-fit mechanism
3Strength
If a robust fixation system is used to ensure safety in case of crash, then the strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because permanent fixation prevents removal for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic snap-fit fixation system that provides strong holding force during normal operation and crash conditions, while allowing controlled disengagement through deliberate manual action. The guide features ensure proper alignment during reattachment, enabling the system to transition between a robust fixed state and a removable state as needed
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 solution provides a reliable and secure attachment of modules like cameras, allowing multiple mounting and dismounting cycles without damage, enhancing safety and maintenance accessibility by ensuring proper engagement and release of fixation members, even in confined or hard-to-reach spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a generally U-shaped metal spring clip comprising a base and a pair of symmetric resilient retainer arms extending from the base
Data Source
AI summary
A module and support structure assembly, in particular for mounting on the windscreen of a passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle, that includes: a module having a housing; and a support structure adapted to carry the module, the housing and support structure comprising respective first and second fixation members cooperating with each other for releasable fixing, in particular by snapping, the module to the support structure. The housing and support structure further comprise cooperating positioning members that are configured to define a receiving position for the module on the support structure, in which the module is not fixed, and to assist in a guided fashion engagement of the first and second fixation members to bring the module in a fixed position.