Extendable Vehicle Camera Actuator for Compact Folded Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular vision systems with foldable mirror assemblies and video displays lack a compact and efficient mechanism for pivoting wing-mounted cameras between use and park positions, often resulting in mechanical stress and limited packaging design flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, compact double detent actuator with an integrated biasing element, such as a wave spring, is used to pivot the wing-mounted camera between positions, providing a low-profile design and reducing mechanical stress through a spur gear reduction and flexible gear train, allowing for improved packaging and reduced motor wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a foldable mirror assembly with video display is used, then rearview functionality is provided, but the mechanism for pivoting wing-mounted cameras lacks compactness and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the biasing element (spring) directly within the actuator housing, merging two separate functions (actuation and biasing) into a single integrated package. This eliminates the need for separate external springs or complex linkage mechanisms, achieving compactness while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element is nested within the actuator housing, with the spring positioned inside the hollow cylindrical housing. This nested arrangement allows the biasing mechanism to occupy minimal space within the actuator package, achieving compact design without increasing overall complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing powerfold mechanisms are used, then camera pivoting is achieved, but mechanical stress increases and packaging flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element acts as an intermediary between the actuator motor and the wing-mounted camera, providing a compliant force that absorbs mechanical stress during pivoting. This intermediary spring mechanism allows for smoother force transmission and reduces peak stresses on the pivot joints and mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a spring-based biasing mechanism that changes the force parameters dynamically during camera pivoting. The spring provides variable opposing force based on displacement, allowing the system to adapt to different packaging configurations and reduce mechanical stress through elastic deformation rather than rigid force transmission.
3Length of stationary object
If a compact actuator is used, then low profile design is achieved, but the mechanism for lift and turn action becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the biasing element in the axial direction within the hollow housing, utilizing the length dimension rather than increasing radial or height dimensions. This allows the actuator to maintain a low profile while accommodating the spring mechanism through clever spatial arrangement in the axial direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism is segmented into discrete engagement points along the pivot range, with the biasing element providing force at specific intervals. This segmentation allows the complex lift and turn action to be achieved through a series of simple, discrete mechanical events rather than a continuous complex mechanism.
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 enables smooth and efficient pivoting of wing-mounted cameras, reducing mechanical stress and enhancing packaging design flexibility while maintaining a low profile, thus improving the functionality and longevity of the vehicular vision system.
Implementation Method 1
an internal or integrated biasing element (such as a wave spring) pressing upward on the middle detent element to engage the middle detent element with an upper detent surface of the pivot post base structure
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular camera assembly includes a mounting base configured to mount at a vehicle, an arm pivotally mounted at the mounting base, a camera disposed at an outer end region of the arm, and an actuator that is operable to pivot the arm between a drive position and a folded position. With the vehicular camera assembly mounted at the vehicle, and when the arm is pivoted from the drive position toward a forward fold position, the arm is at least partially received in a forward cavity at the side of the vehicle. A forward flap assembly seals the forward cavity when the arm is pivoted toward the forward fold position. The forward flap assembly, when the arm is pivoted away from the folded position and beyond the drive position toward the forward fold position, engages the arm and biases the arm toward the drive position.