Swivel Tailgate Bracket Camera Orientation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rear-facing cameras on truck tailgates become ineffective when hauling oversized loads, as the camera's field of view shifts towards the front when the tailgate is lowered, preventing rearward image capture.
Innovation Solution
A rotating camera head mechanism, powered by an actuator controlled by an electronic processor and orientation sensors, ensures the camera's field of view remains horizontal and rearward-oriented even when the tailgate is lowered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tailgate is lowered to haul oversized loads, then the cargo loading capability is improved, but the camera field of view shifts toward the front and loses rearward image capture capability
Solution Approach 1:
The camera head is made dynamically adjustable through a rotating mounting mechanism that allows it to change orientation relative to the tailgate. The camera can rotate between a first orientation (when tailgate is upright) and a second orientation (when tailgate is lowered), maintaining rearward-facing capability throughout tailgate movement.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor detects the tailgate's position and orientation, providing feedback to a control system that automatically adjusts the camera head's rotation angle. This closed-loop control ensures the camera maintains proper rearward orientation regardless of tailgate position, resolving the contradiction between tailgate mobility and camera reliability.
2Device complexity
If a fixed position bracket is used to mount the camera, then the device complexity is reduced, but the camera cannot maintain proper field of view when the tailgate orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket evolves from a fixed static structure to a dynamic rotating mechanism. The camera head is mounted on a rotation axis that allows it to pivot relative to the tailgate, enabling adaptation to different tailgate orientations while maintaining functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera mounting system is designed to perform multiple functions: it maintains rearward orientation when the tailgate is upright for normal operation, and automatically adjusts to maintain rearward orientation when the tailgate is lowered for oversized loads. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the camera is mounted on the tailgate, then the mounting position is simplified, but the camera becomes ineffective when hauling oversized loads with lowered tailgate
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounting system incorporates a dynamic rotation mechanism that allows the camera head to independently adjust its orientation relative to the tailgate. This dynamic capability ensures the camera remains effective for rearward image capture regardless of whether the tailgate is in the upright or lowered position.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor system detects tailgate position and provides feedback to automatically adjust the camera head's rotation angle. This feedback control ensures the camera maintains proper rearward orientation and effectiveness throughout all tailgate operations, including when lowered for oversized loads.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle includes a horizontally oriented bed. A tailgate is pivotably attached to the bed. The tailgate is pivotable between an upright position and a horizontal position. A camera is pivotably attached to the tailgate. The camera has a field of view. An orientation sensor detects an orientation of the tailgate and/or the camera. An actuator pivots the camera relative to the tailgate. An electronic processor is communicatively coupled to the orientation sensor and to the actuator. The electronic processor receives a sensor signal from the orientation sensor. The electronic processor causes the actuator to pivot the camera dependent upon the sensor signal such that a field of view of the camera remains in a horizontal orientation throughout pivoting of the tailgate.