Vehicle Camera Telemetry System with Magnetic Mounting and Telescopic Stem
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle camera systems lack versatility and effectiveness in providing clear views during reversing and hitching operations, especially when obstacles are present, and do not offer adequate assistance for navigating hazards like rock or tree branches.
Innovation Solution
A remotely mountable camera apparatus with a magnet for metallic surfaces, a telescopic stem, adjustable coupling, and wireless transmission to mobile devices, enabling clear views of tow balls and hitches, along with features like IR LEDs for night vision, proximity sensors, and image recognition for automated guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed camera system is mounted at the rear of the vehicle, then the driver can view obstacles during reversing, but the system lacks versatility for different mounting locations and viewing angles needed for hitching and various hazard clearance scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system employs a telescopic stem that can extend and retract, and an adjustable coupling that allows the camera device to be positioned at multiple angles and orientations. This dynamic adjustability enables the same camera apparatus to be mounted in various locations (rear bumper, side mirrors, roof) and configured for different viewing angles, achieving versatility without requiring multiple fixed camera systems
Solution Approach 2:
The camera apparatus is designed as a universal mounting system that can be attached to different vehicle types and locations using magnetic mounting plates. The same basic apparatus serves multiple functions: reversing assistance, hitching guidance, rock hazard clearance, tree branch hazard clearance, and general surveillance, replacing the need for multiple specialized camera systems
2Ease of operation
If the camera is mounted close to the vehicle body, then it is easy to mount, but obstacles like spare wheels block the view of critical areas such as tow balls and hitches
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic stem extends the camera device away from the vehicle body in the longitudinal dimension, moving it past obstructions like spare wheels while maintaining a compact stowed position. This dimensional extension allows the camera to achieve an unobstructed line of sight to critical areas such as tow balls and hitches without requiring complex mounting structures or drilling operations
3Loss of information
If the stem is made longer to extend past obstacles, then the camera can view critical areas, but the mounting becomes less stable and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic stem provides a dynamic solution where the length can be adjusted based on the specific mounting location and obstruction height. The stem extends only as much as needed to clear obstacles, rather than being permanently long, which maintains mounting stability. The adjustable coupling further allows fine-tuning of the camera position to optimize both view clearance and mounting stability for each specific installation scenario
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 system provides enhanced driver assistance by offering clear, obstacle-free views of critical areas, facilitating safer reversing and hitching operations, with extended range and adaptability to various vehicle and trailer configurations, and enhanced safety through automated guidance and hazard detection.
Implementation Method 1
The proximal end has a magnet for magnetic affixation to a metallic body of a vehicle in use
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle camera telemetry system has a remotely mountable camera apparatus which has a stem having a magnet for magnetic affixation to a metallic body of a vehicle in use. The apparatus further comprises a camera device connected from the distal end of the stem by an adjustable coupling. The stem may further be telescopic for length adjustment so as, for example, extend the length of the stem from less than 22 cm to greater than 29 cm. The camera device has an image sensor and a wireless transmitter for transmitting image data obtained therefrom to a connected mobile device using a wireless connection, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. As such, in use, the camera apparatus may be affixed to various parts of a vehicle and/or an associated trailer, caravan or the like.