Vehicle Camera Mounting Device with Swivel Joint

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera mounting systems for vehicles are complex, limit recording flexibility, and pose a risk of injury to passengers in accidents due to their fixed installation and potential for damage to cameras.

Innovation Solution

A holding device for cameras that can be easily installed and removed, adjustable for various recording angles, and features a swivel joint with a vertically aligned axis of rotation, allowing the camera to be positioned for indoor and outdoor use, with a protective housing to safeguard both the camera and passengers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the camera is attached with suction cups on the windshield or with screw connections on bodywork, then the camera can be securely fixed, but the installation is complex and only enables recordings of certain objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting device is divided into separate modular components: a fastening device that attaches to the headrest holder and a support arm with carrier that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows simple installation of the base component while maintaining secure fixation, eliminating the need for complex windshield suction cup installations or bodywork modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The headrest holder mounting interface is designed to be universal, fitting various vehicle seat types. The support arm incorporates multiple joints (swivel joint with vertical axis, double joint with horizontal and vertical axes) that enable the same device to record various objects including interior scenes, exterior views through windshield, blind spots, and rear seat areas, replacing multiple specialized mounting solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the camera is attached with suction cups on the windshield or with screw connections on bodywork, then the camera can be securely fixed, but the installation is time-consuming and difficult to remove

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidinstallation and removal time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm incorporates dynamic elements including a swivel joint with vertically aligned axis of rotation and a double joint with horizontally and vertically aligned axes of rotation. These dynamic joints allow quick adjustment of the carrier position to capture various recording angles without requiring time-consuming reinstallation, while the fastening device maintains secure attachment to the headrest holder.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the camera is fixed in a specific position, then the installation is simple, but the camera cannot be adjusted for various recordings of different objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidrecording angle adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm incorporates dynamic elements including a swivel joint with vertically aligned axis of rotation and a double joint with horizontally and vertically aligned axes of rotation. These dynamic joints allow quick adjustment of the carrier position to capture various recording angles without requiring time-consuming reinstallation, while the fastening device maintains secure attachment to the headrest holder.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting device allows continuous adjustment of multiple parameters: the vertical angle via the swivel joint, the horizontal angle via the double joint, and the distance from the mounting point via the extendable support arm. These parameter changes enable the same simple installation to achieve versatile recording positions for different objects and scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Stability of the object's composition

If the camera is mounted on fixed structures, then the installation is stable, but passengers are at risk of injury in the event of an accident

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidpassenger injury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm functions as a flexible mounting structure that can absorb impact forces through its articulated joints. The swivel joint with vertical axis and double joint with horizontal and vertical axes provide degrees of freedom that allow the arm to move and dissipate energy during collisions, reducing the transmission of harmful forces to passengers compared to rigid fixed mountings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The support arm acts as an intermediary element between the fixed headrest holder mounting and the camera. This intermediate flexible connection allows the mounting to remain stable while the arm absorbs and redirects forces during accidents, protecting passengers from injury while maintaining mounting stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

5Device complexity

If the camera is mounted in fixed positions, then the installation is straightforward, but the camera is exposed to damage and dirt

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation straightforwardnessVSAvoidcamera damage and dirt exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm incorporates dynamic elements including a swivel joint with vertically aligned axis of rotation and a double joint with horizontally and vertically aligned axes of rotation. These dynamic joints allow quick adjustment of the carrier position to capture various recording angles without requiring time-consuming reinstallation, while the fastening device maintains secure attachment to the headrest holder.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The headrest holder mounting interface is designed to be universal, fitting various vehicle seat types. The support arm incorporates multiple joints (swivel joint with vertical axis, double joint with horizontal and vertical axes) that enable the same device to record various objects including interior scenes, exterior views through windshield, blind spots, and rear seat areas, replacing multiple specialized mounting solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3129261B1Mounting device for a photo or video camera in a motor vehicle interior
Publication Date: 2018.01.31 KINETIX
  • EP3129261B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3129261B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3129261B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a retaining device for a still or video camera in the interior of a motor vehicle with a fastening apparatus (5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e) for attaching the retaining device to a vehicle seat part, such as a backrest (2), headrest (3) or headrest holder (4, 4a, 4b) of a vehicle seat (1), and a carrier arm (6, 6', 6'', 60, 60', 60'', 62, 62', 62'') which is oriented approximately horizontally and parallel with respect to the broad side of the backrest (2) and at one end of which a holder (7) is arranged for receiving a camera (8), wherein the carrier arm (6, 6', 6'', 60, 60', 60'', 62, 62', 62'') protrudes beyond the vehicle seat part (2, 3, 4, 4a, 4b) to such an extent that the lens (8a) of the camera (8) has an uninterrupted view towards the front in the driving direction and/or towards the rear in the direction counter to the driving direction, and wherein, at the other end thereof, the carrier arm (6, 6', 6'', 60, 60', 60'', 62, 62', 62'') is connected via a first rotary joint (6a) with an approximately vertically oriented rotational axis Z2 to the fastening device (5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e) and can be pivoted in an approximately horizontal plane.