Stereo Camera Mounting Beam for Vibration-Stable Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles face challenges in maintaining accurate alignment of stereo cameras due to vibrations and thermal expansion, leading to unreliable distance information and obstacle detection, which requires frequent calibration or image processing routines.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device with an elongated beam and camera mounts, fixedly connected to a vehicle via a central bracket, restricts rotation and absorbs vibrations, maintaining camera alignment and spacing using materials with low thermal expansion and flexible contact points to minimize misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stereo cameras are mounted on a vehicle to capture images for obstacle detection and navigation, then the system can obtain distance information and depth data, but the cameras become subject to vibrations and thermal expansion that cause misalignment and reduce measurement reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the mounting structure by using materials with specific thermal expansion properties and designing a mechanism that accommodates thermal growth. The bracket is designed to allow controlled movement in response to thermal expansion while maintaining camera alignment through compensatory mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies vibration damping elements and shock-absorbing features in the mounting bracket design to cushion the cameras against vibrations and shocks before they can cause misalignment. These protective elements are built into the structure to preemptively mitigate harmful vibrations during vehicle operation.
2Measurement precision
If frequent calibration or image processing routines are implemented to compensate for camera misalignment, then measurement precision can be maintained, but system complexity and operational time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment of the cameras during the manufacturing and installation process using a dedicated mounting bracket designed to maintain precise camera spacing and orientation. This preliminary action ensures that the cameras remain aligned during normal operation, eliminating the need for frequent calibration routines.
3Manufacturing precision
If rigid mounting structures are used to maintain camera alignment, then manufacturing precision can be achieved, but the structure becomes sensitive to thermal expansion and vibrations that cause misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates flexible elements and compliant mechanisms in the mounting bracket that allow the structure to flex and adapt to thermal expansion and vibrations while maintaining camera alignment. These flexible components absorb environmental stresses without compromising the precise spacing and orientation of the cameras.
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 stabilizes camera alignment, reducing the need for frequent calibration and improving the accuracy of stereo image processing for obstacle detection and navigation, even under varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
engagement between the wall and the elongated beam restricts rotation of the elongated beam about multiple axes
Implementation Method 2
The mounting device can be configured for use with autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles so that stereo or three-dimensional image processing techniques can be used to obtain distance information
Implementation Method 3
perception information obtained from these type of stereo camera assemblies may not be reliable when the vehicle is in motion and/or is exposed to certain environmental conditions. In particular, environmental conditions may affect alignment of and/or distance between the cameras
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting device includes an elongated beam having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a side surface extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. The mounting device also includes a first camera mount attached to the first end portion configured to support a first camera, a second camera mount attached to the second end portion configured to support a second camera, and a bracket for fixedly connecting the elongated beam to a vehicle. The bracket is positioned between the first end portion and the second end portion. The bracket includes at least one base configured to be attached to the vehicle and a wall extending from the at least one base comprising an opening sized to receive the elongated beam, such that engagement between the wall and the elongated beam restricts rotation of the elongated beam about multiple axes.