Vehicle Camera Holding Apparatus with Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems for commercial vehicles struggle to capture the desired lateral fields of view, leading to potential collisions due to deviations in capture areas, which may not be immediately recognizable to drivers, especially when the camera is displaced or retracted, resulting in increased risk during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A holding apparatus with movable elements, including a signal unit that monitors and outputs signals to the driver regarding the camera's operating position, ensuring the capture of defined areas such as legally prescribed fields of view, and providing a mechanism for the camera to retract safely in case of collisions or displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the camera is directly mounted fixedly or detachably on the vehicle body, then the attachment location is compact and does not protrude far, but it is hardly possible to capture sideward areas of view next to the vehicle having similar angles of view available to the driver viewing in a common side mirror
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a movable holding apparatus that can extend and retract the camera relative to the vehicle body. The holding apparatus transitions between a retracted state (compact) and an extended state (protruding), allowing the camera to achieve optimal viewing angles for capturing sideward areas of view while maintaining a compact form when not in use. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between compact mounting and accurate capture area.
2Reliability
If sticking out attachments are provided for the camera monitor system to achieve optimal view and orientation, then the desired viewable areas may be reliably captured, but the attachment location sticks widely from the vehicle and has the risk of collision with the environment or other road users
Solution Approach 1:
The holding apparatus is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions. During normal operation, it extends to provide optimal viewing angles for capturing legally prescribed fields of view. When collision risk is detected or during parking, it retracts to minimize protrusion and reduce the risk of collision with obstacles or other road users. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between capture accuracy and collision risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the presence of obstacles near the camera attachment location. When obstacles are detected, the system provides feedback to retract the holding apparatus, thereby reducing collision risk. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically adjust its configuration based on real-time environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining optimal viewing angles and avoiding collisions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the camera arm is retractable to protect the camera in case of collisions, then the camera can be protected, but the driver may not recognize the deviation between capture areas to be shown and actual shown capture areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a signal unit that continuously monitors the position of the holding apparatus and provides feedback to the driver. When the camera is in the correct operating position, the signal unit confirms proper alignment. If the holding apparatus is retracted or displaced from its optimal position, the signal unit alerts the driver to the deviation, ensuring that the driver is aware of any changes in capture area. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction between collision protection through retraction and maintaining driver awareness of capture area accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A holding apparatus (50) for a vehicle has a first element (51) attachable to the vehicle (1), a second element (52) movably connected with the first element (51) via a bearing mechanism, an image capture unit (10, 10A, 10B) attached to the second element (52) and configured to capture a capture area around the vehicle (1), and a signal unit (20) configured to detect the position of the first element (51) relative to the second element (52). The signal unit (20) has a signal device (22) adapted to output a signal (S) and a signal transmitter (21) configured to operate the signal device (22) dependent on a position of the first element (51) to the second element (52) such that it outputs a signal (S).