Windscreen Conductor Track for Rear View Camera Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrical connections for interior rear view units installed on windshields of motor vehicles are costly to assemble and produce, requiring numerous components for cable connections and covers that compromise aesthetic design.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a conductor track into the windshield for electrical connections, using electrically conductive materials like copper foil, which runs from the edge to the foot surface, and establishing connections with conductive parts on the windshield and vehicle systems, eliminating the need for cable connections and associated components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable connections are used for electrical connections to interior rear view units, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but assembly costs and production costs increase and aesthetic design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function directly into the windshield structure by integrating conductor tracks into the windshield layers. This eliminates the need for separate cable connections and associated components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connection between the windshield and interior rear view units
Solution Approach 2:
The windshield is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, optical transparency, and electrical connectivity. The conductor tracks integrated into the windshield layers enable the windshield to function as both a structural/optical component and an electrical connection medium, eliminating the need for separate cable systems
2Reliability
If traditional cable connections with covers are used, then electrical connection is established, but assembly and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is merged with the windshield manufacturing process. Conductor tracks are integrated into the windshield layers during production, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps involving cable routing, connection, and covering, thereby significantly reducing assembly and production costs
3Reliability
If cable connections and concealing components are used, then electrical connection is provided, but aesthetic design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is merged into the windshield structure itself, with conductor tracks integrated into the glass or plastic layers. This eliminates the need for visible cables and concealing components, maintaining clean aesthetic lines while providing functional electrical connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function from the traditional cable system and relocates it directly into the windshield structure. This removes the need for separate cable assemblies and their associated concealing components, thereby improving aesthetic design while maintaining electrical functionality
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
This solution reduces assembly and production costs by simplifying the electrical connection process and improving the aesthetic design, as no additional cable connections or concealing components are required.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one conductor track can be bonded to the inside of the windshield by means of an adhesive layer, for example a double-sided adhesive layer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An interior rearview camera assembly (01) for a motor vehicle is described, consisting of a windshield (02) and an interior rearview camera assembly (04) arranged on its inner surface (03). The windshield (02) is equipped with at least one conductive track (05). The conductive track (05) extends from at least one edge of the windshield (02) to a base (06) formed on the inner surface (03) of the windshield (02). The conductive track (05) forms at least a first electrically conductive portion (07) of the surface of the windshield (02), at least at the base (06). The conductive track (05) also forms at least a second electrically conductive portion of the surface of the windshield (02), provided at least at the edge of the windshield (02). The interior rearview camera assembly (04) has a base (08) for arrangement on the inner surface (03) of the windshield (02) and a head (09) arranged on the base with a projection surface (10).The interior rearview mirror unit (04) houses at least one electrical component (11), at least in part. The base (08) of the interior rearview mirror unit (04) has a connecting surface (12) which, when the base (08) is mounted on the base (06), rests against the inner surface (03) of the windshield (02). The connecting surface (12) contains at least one electrical contact (13) in electrically conductive connection with an electrical component (11) housed by the interior rearview mirror unit (04), and this contact forms at least one electrically conductive portion (14) of the surface of the base (08) of the interior rearview mirror unit (04). The connecting surface (12) of the base (08) is attached to the base (06) such that an electrically conductive portion (14) formed on the connecting surface (12) is in electrically conductive connection with a first electrically conductive portion (07) formed on the base (06).