Trailer Camera Mount Using Existing Light Housing Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for providing unobstructed rearward views when towing trailers are labor-intensive and prone to damage, as they require drilling holes or using adhesives for camera installation, and wireless cameras are unreliable due to battery issues.
Innovation Solution
A camera mount system that attaches to a trailer's support surface without drilling, using a flange and bracket to secure the camera housing and wires, allowing for easy installation and maintenance without damaging the trailer, and incorporating a wireless camera for reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cameras are installed by drilling holes and feeding wires through trailers, then unobstructed rearward views are provided, but installation becomes labor intensive and requires expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the camera mounting function from traditional drilling-based installation. The mount uses a flange with a hole that receives the light housing and camera assembly without requiring holes to be drilled in the trailer surface. The mount is attached using existing fastener holes or adhesive on the support surface, while the camera housing passes through the flange hole, eliminating the need for drilling and wire feeding through the trailer body.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount acts as an intermediary component between the trailer support surface and the camera/light housing assembly. It provides a standardized interface that connects to the existing fastener holes in the support surface, allowing the camera to be mounted without direct drilling into the trailer. The flange with its hole serves as the mediator through which the light housing and camera are received and secured.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If wireless cameras with batteries are used to avoid drilling holes, then installation damage is avoided, but camera reliability decreases due to battery issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the camera system into two parts: the camera unit itself (which can be wired for reliable operation) and the mounting mechanism (which avoids drilling). This allows the camera to be installed in a way that prevents trailer damage while maintaining operational reliability through wired power and data connections.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If adhesives are used to attach cameras without drilling, then trailer damage is avoided, but camera attachment reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple attachment methods into a single standardized mounting system. The flange can be attached to the support surface using fasteners through existing holes or adhesive, providing a secure base. The light housing and camera assembly are then received through the flange hole and secured independently. This combination approach ensures both trailer protection and reliable camera attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A mount is provided for attaching a camera to a support surface of a towed vehicle. The support surface is configured for supporting a light housing and has a hole for receiving a fastener for securing the light housing to the support surface. The mount broadly comprises a flange and a bracket extending below the flange. The flange comprises a light housing hole for receiving the light housing therethrough, and a fastener hole for receiving the fastener. The bracket is configured to engage the camera.