In-Vehicle Camera Snap-Fit Structure for Vibration-Resistant Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vehicle cameras face challenges with secure fixation and easy attachment/detachment due to the need for strong spring members or snap-fit joints, which can be affected by dimensional variations leading to loosening under vibration.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle camera design featuring a snap-fit joint mechanism with a main engagement face and a sub engagement face inclined at a specific angle, converting pressing force into an insertion-direction component, combined with a pressing mechanism and holding mechanism to ensure secure fixation and easy attachment/detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a strong spring member is used to securely retain the camera unit against vibrations, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the ease of attachment/detachment deteriorates because it requires compressing a strong spring
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement structure is segmented into multiple engagement protrusions and engagement grooves distributed around the peripheral surface of the camera unit. This segmentation allows the attachment force to be distributed across multiple points, reducing the compression force required on any single spring member while maintaining overall fixation reliability against vibrations.
2Ease of operation
If a snap-fit joint is used to achieve firm fixation, then the ease of attachment/detachment is improved, but the fixation reliability deteriorates due to dimensional variations in molded parts causing loosening under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement protrusions are designed with specific geometric features including inclined surfaces and rounded tips, while engagement grooves have corresponding shapes. This local quality optimization ensures that even with dimensional variations in molded parts, the engagement structures can accommodate variations while maintaining secure fixation. The inclined surfaces allow for self-centering and compensation of dimensional deviations.
3Reliability
If the spring member is made larger and stronger to handle vibration loads, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large, strong spring member, the system uses multiple smaller spring members distributed around the camera unit periphery. Each spring member engages with corresponding engagement grooves, and the combined effect of multiple springs provides sufficient vibration resistance without requiring any single spring to be excessively large or strong, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 design allows for secure fixation and easy attachment/detachment of the camera unit, mitigating the effects of vibration and dimensional variations, while reducing the need for large or extra components, thus enhancing the camera's stability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a sub engagement face having an inclination with respect to the insertion direction that is less than that of the main engagement face, and serving to convert a part of a force at pressing to a force in the insertion direction
Data Source
AI summary
A camera and a bracket are configured to form: a snap-fit joint mechanism that establishes a snap-fit joint therebetween; a pressing mechanism that performs pressing, by way of a snap-fit claw, in a direction in which an interval between a mounting face and an opposite face is increased; and a holding mechanism that holds the interval between the opposite face and the mounting face against that pressing; wherein, on the snap-fit claw, a sub engagement face is created which has an inclination with respect to an insertion direction that is less than that of a main engagement face and serves to convert a part of a force at the pressing to a force in the insertion direction.