Stereo Camera Mounting Beam With Multi-Axis Rotation Constraint
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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 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
1Measurement precision
If stereo cameras are mounted on a vehicle to capture images for distance measurement, then obstacle detection capability is improved, but camera alignment stability deteriorates due to vibrations and thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into separate functional components: a bracket assembly for rigid mounting to the vehicle, an elongated beam for precise camera positioning, and individual camera mounts. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall alignment stability despite vehicle vibrations and thermal changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The design accepts that vibrations and thermal expansion will occur but incorporates features that convert these potentially harmful effects into manageable factors. The rigid bracket and beam structure maintains alignment within acceptable tolerances despite these environmental factors, effectively using the vehicle's normal operational characteristics without requiring active compensation.
2Reliability
If frequent calibration routines are implemented to maintain camera alignment, then measurement reliability is improved, but system complexity and operational time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is designed with built-in alignment features and rigid structures that pre-establish and maintain camera alignment throughout operation. This preliminary mechanical alignment configuration eliminates the need for frequent software-based calibration routines, as the physical mounting structure itself ensures consistent camera spacing and orientation.
3Manufacturing precision
If a rigid mounting structure is used to maintain camera alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but susceptibility to thermal expansion and vibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the mounting structure have different mechanical properties optimized for their local functions. The bracket and beam use rigid materials for precise positioning, while the overall design accounts for thermal expansion through appropriate material selection and structural configuration. This local optimization allows high precision mounting while managing environmental sensitivities.
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 ensures stable and accurate stereo image capture, reducing the need for frequent calibration and improving obstacle detection and navigation by maintaining camera alignment despite environmental and operational factors.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
maintaining camera alignment and spacing using materials with low thermal expansion and flexible contact points to minimize misalignment
Implementation Method 3
maintaining camera alignment and spacing using materials with low thermal expansion
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.