Spring-Loaded Bracket for Vehicle Safety Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment mechanisms for securing safety equipment modules to vehicle windshields are complex, expensive, difficult to install, and provide limited component protection during impacts.
Innovation Solution
A bracket assembly with a planar bracket member featuring a central spring-loaded clip and opposed side retention structures that securely affix a safety equipment module to the windshield using adhesive or mechanical fasteners, allowing for easy installation and enhanced protection through resilient spring members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid attachment mechanism is used to secure the safety equipment module, then the module is firmly fixed to the windshield, but the attachment mechanism becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket member is divided into multiple functional segments: a planar mounting surface for adhesive attachment to the windshield, a central clip structure with spring member for primary retention, and side retention structures with spring members for additional securing. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, achieving strong fixation without requiring a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple attachment functions into a single integrated bracket member: adhesive mounting capability, mechanical clipping action, and side retention are all merged into one component that attaches to the windshield and secures the safety equipment module simultaneously, simplifying the overall attachment mechanism.
2Strength
If a rigid attachment mechanism is used to secure the safety equipment module, then the module is firmly fixed, but the installation process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket member is pre-configured with the clip structure and spring members in the correct positions and orientations before installation. The self-orienting features are built into the bracket design, so during installation the safety equipment module automatically aligns with the retention structures without requiring complex manual positioning or adjustment, reducing installation time while maintaining secure attachment.
3Strength
If a rigid attachment mechanism is used to secure the safety equipment module, then the module is firmly fixed, but component protection during impact events is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Spring members are incorporated into the clip structure and side retention structures of the bracket member before installation. These spring members are pre-loaded to provide resilient cushioning force that absorbs impact energy during collision events, protecting the safety equipment module from damage while maintaining secure attachment under normal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system with spring members that can compress and expand. During impact events, the spring members dynamically adjust by compressing to absorb shock energy, then rebound to maintain secure retention, providing both firm fixation and impact 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 solution provides a simpler, cost-effective, and more secure attachment mechanism that ensures proper alignment and retention of safety equipment modules, offering improved protection during impacts and ease of installation, applicable to various windowpanes and equipment configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The clip structure includes a resilient spring member adapted to retain the post structure coupled to the safety equipment module and bias the post structure towards the planar bracket member
Implementation Method 2
Each of the pair of opposed retention structures includes a resilient spring member adapted to bias the respective post or hook structure
Implementation Method 3
The exterior surface of the planar bracket member is adapted to be secured to the interior surface of the windowpane using an adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
An improved bracket assembly for securing a safety equipment module, such as a forward-facing camera and/or other sensor module, to the interior surface of a windshield or other windowpane of a vehicle. The bracket assembly includes a planar bracket member including an exterior surface that is adhered or otherwise affixed to the interior surface of the windowpane. The bracket member defines a port through which the safety equipment module is provided visibility to the exterior of the vehicle through the windowpane. The bracket member includes a central spring-loaded, self-orienting clip structure that is adapted to receive a corresponding post structure coupled to a top, central portion of the safety equipment module. The bracket member also includes a pair of opposed side spring-loaded retention structures that are adapted to receive corresponding post or hook structures coupled to opposed side portions of the safety equipment module.