Windshield Camera Adjustment Structure for Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing camera apparatus mounted on vehicle windshields has a high manufacturing cost due to its structure allowing for free adjustment of inclination angles after attachment, which increases production costs.
Innovation Solution
A camera apparatus design that includes a bracket, camera case, and camera module with an adjustment structure for setting the inclination angle of the optical axis before complete fixation, eliminating post-attachment adjustments and using adhesive fixation to secure components without additional components like shims.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera apparatus includes a structure allowing free adjustment of inclination angle after attachment, then the adaptability to different windshield angles is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inclination angle of the optical axis is adjusted and fixed during the assembly process before the camera case is completely fixed to the bracket. This preliminary adjustment eliminates the need for post-attachment adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining adaptability to different windshield angles.
2Ease of operation
If the camera apparatus allows post-attachment adjustment of inclination angle, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inclination angle is adjusted during assembly before final fixation, eliminating the need for complex post-attachment adjustment mechanisms. This approach maintains operational simplicity while reducing structural complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the camera apparatus uses additional components like shims for angle adjustment, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary components such as shims and complex adjustment mechanisms from the camera apparatus. Instead, it relies on precise adjustment during assembly followed by direct fixation, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while reducing device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the camera apparatus includes rotation shafts and screw type pins for adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inclination angle is adjusted using simple rotation and fixation mechanisms during assembly, and then the camera case is completely fixed to the bracket. This preliminary adjustment eliminates the need for complex post-attachment adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing production cost while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera apparatus is provided. A bracket is fixed to a windshield of a vehicle. A camera case is fixed to the bracket. A camera module is fixed to the camera case and includes a lens. The camera apparatus detects a position of an object present ahead of the vehicle. The object includes a lane and another vehicle. Information on the object acquired by the camera apparatus is used for at least one of lane departure alarm control, light control, and collision avoidance control. The camera apparatus further includes an adjustment structure for completing adjustment of an inclination angle in a vertical direction of an optical axis of the lens with respect to the windshield by the time when the camera case is completely fixed to the bracket.