Laminated Windscreen Optical Device for ADAS Camera Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited space on a vehicle's windshield for ADAS cameras obstructs the driver's vision due to the need for large trapezoidal windows and extensive black coatings to conceal the cameras, reducing the overall field of vision.
Innovation Solution
Modifying the camera optics to tilt them by an angle β towards the vertical, using a combination of converging and diverging lenses with a refractive index difference, and a PVB spacer to deflect light rays and minimize the black printed surface area on the windshield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cameras are positioned behind the windshield to enable ADAS functions, then driver assistance capability is improved, but the black coating surface area on the windshield increases, reducing the driver's field of vision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent tilts the camera optics by an angle β (5° to 30°) towards the vertical, changing the orientation from a horizontal arrangement to an inclined one. This dimensional change in camera positioning allows the optical axis to form a smaller angle with the windshield, thereby reducing the required black coating surface area while maintaining ADAS functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the optical parameters by tilting the camera at angle β and adjusting the lens focal length to compensate for the tilted orientation. This parameter change allows the camera to achieve the same field of view and detection capability with a reduced black surface area on the windshield
2Area of stationary object
If the camera optics are tilted by an angle β towards the vertical, then the black surface area on the windshield is reduced, but the camera housing and mounting structure become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the camera housing directly with the windshield structure, merging the mounting function into the existing windshield assembly. This combination reduces the need for separate complex mounting brackets and supports, thereby reducing device complexity while accommodating the tilted camera orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical element or lens system as an intermediary between the tilted camera sensor and the windshield exterior. This intermediary optical system compensates for the tilted orientation and maintains proper image capture geometry, simplifying the overall mounting structure
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
Significantly reduces the size of the black surface on the windshield, allowing for a greater field of vision and enabling the placement of additional cameras for enhanced functionality, such as stereoscopic vision.
Implementation Method 1
The optical device comprises, from the outside to the inside of the glazing, a first converging lens, a diverging lens, and a converging lens
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a laminated windscreen (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising two sheets of glass, outside (4) and inside (5), which are interconnected by a spacer (6) consisting of a thermoplastic material with a refractive index n1, in which said windscreen has a hole (8) passing through at least one of said sheets of glass, and preferably passing through said spacer, in which said hole is filled with an optical device (2) designed to deflect a light beam (3) arriving substantially horizontally on the surface of the windscreen exposed on the outside of the vehicle and to make it converge, substantially wihout deformation, towards an image-capturing device (7) of a camera, such as a CCD or CMOS sensor, arranged facing the surface of the windscreen facing the interior of the vehicle, said detector being arranged substantially parallel to the surface (13) of said windscreen.