Vehicle Camera Unit with Non-Parallel Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera units for vehicles require a large installation depth and complex guiding mechanisms due to parallel movement of the camera and closure element, which complicates the movement from a resting to an operating position and increases space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A camera unit design where the camera and closure element move in non-parallel directions, reducing the need for tilting and allowing for a reduced installation depth, utilizing separable plates with guide contours and an eccentric drive unit that rotates in one direction to facilitate movement between positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the camera and closure element move in parallel directions to reach the operating position, then the camera can be positioned in front of the outer skin for imaging, but the installation depth of the camera unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement direction from parallel (one-dimensional approach) to non-parallel/oblique (introducing angular dimension). The camera and closure element move in different directions that form an angle with each other, allowing the closure element to clear the camera's field of vision while reducing the distance the camera must travel perpendicular to the outer skin, thereby reducing installation depth.
2Ease of operation
If the camera moves perpendicularly to the outer skin and then pivots downwards to image the road surface, then the field of vision is achieved, but the guiding mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tilting/pivoting movement from the camera's operation sequence. Instead of the camera moving perpendicular to the skin and then tilting, the closure element remains stationary while only translating to clear the field of vision. The camera maintains a fixed downward angle throughout, eliminating the need for complex combined translation and tilting guidance mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the eccentric rotates in different directions to move between operating and resting positions, then the camera unit can switch positions, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by having the closure element move to clear the camera's field of vision rather than the camera moving to achieve the field of vision. This reversal simplifies the drive mechanism because the closure element's movement in a single rotational direction of the eccentric is sufficient to both open and close the camera view, eliminating the need for bidirectional rotation control.
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 a compact camera unit design that can automatically switch between operational and resting positions based on gear shifts, ensuring clear visibility and protection from dirt and damage without additional driver input, while maintaining efficient movement and reduced space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The movement of camera and closure element is driven via an eccentric, the rotary movement freedom of which is restricted by a housing guiding the translation of the closure element.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera unit for a vehicle includes a camera and a closure element, which are moveable by a drive unit between a first position, in which the closure element covers the field of vision of the camera and a second position, in which a region of the surroundings of the vehicle to be monitored lies in the field of vision of the camera. A first movement direction of the camera from the first position into the second position and a second movement direction of the closure element from the first position into the second position define an angle and a surface normal of the outer skin of the vehicle at the place of installation of the camera unit lies within the angle.