Protected Underbody Camera Housing for Hidden Obstacle Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of vehicles face challenges in navigating obstacles that are not visible beneath the vehicle, such as rocks, which can damage the vehicle if not avoided, due to the lack of real-time visual feedback of the underbody area.
Innovation Solution
An underbody camera system is integrated into the vehicle, coupled to the vehicle frame and sub-systems like an electronic control unit, fluid source, and air source, featuring a protective housing and adjustable mounting bracket, and a lens-cleaning system, allowing the camera to capture images of the underbody area and provide real-time feedback to the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the camera is exposed to the underbody environment, then it can capture images of obstacles, but it becomes vulnerable to debris, weather, and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is segmented into a protected housing unit that encloses the camera, separating the sensitive electronic components from the harsh underbody environment while maintaining the ability to capture images through a protected lens aperture
Solution Approach 2:
A protective lens is introduced as an intermediary element between the camera sensor and the underbody environment, allowing light from obstacles to pass through while blocking debris, water, and corrosive elements from directly contacting the camera
2Reliability
If the camera housing is sealed for protection, then it resists debris and weather, but it becomes difficult to service or replace components
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into separable sections (front housing portion, rear housing portion, removable cover) that can be easily detached from one another, allowing components like the camera and lens to be accessed and replaced without damaging the protective sealing when reassembled
Solution Approach 2:
The housing transitions from a static sealed structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable assembly that can be opened and closed, maintaining protection during operation while enabling easy servicing when needed through removable covers and separable sections
3Stability of the object's composition
If the camera is mounted securely to the vehicle frame, then it remains stable during vehicle operation, but it becomes difficult to adjust or reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates adjustable features that allow the camera housing to be positioned at different locations and angles during installation, while once positioned, the same bracket provides secure, stable attachment to the vehicle frame through rigid fastening mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An underbody camera located beneath and within a wheel base of a vehicle includes a mounting bracket coupled to the vehicle, a camera housing, and a camera. The camera housing is coupled to the mounting bracket and defines an interior camera compartment. The camera is coupled to the camera housing and is arranged to lie within the interior camera compartment.