Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for securing a battery in an enclosure with some degree of flexibility between the components to adjust for variations in size of the components. A battery holder assembly comprises a first housing component, a second housing component, and a battery. The first component includes a battery receptacle, comprising a plurality of flexible arms to surround a battery. The second component comprises a plurality of crush ribs having a solid support, that will wedge in-between the second housing component wall and the flexible arms, and that have a specially designed protrusion that is “crushable.” The flexible arms, which are in contact with the battery are wide enough to spread out the force, so as not to damage the battery, while the crush ribs will dig only into the plastic to arrest the battery's vibration while compensating for the remaining tolerance or variation between components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing components of a front half camera module subassembly is described herein. The camera may be used in an automotive camera, which includes but is not limited to automotive rear-view cameras. A glue bead seal may be applied to the front half camera housing to which a camera lens may be attached. Then a glue bead seal may be applied to the other side of the front half camera housing to which a printed circuit board (PCB) is attached. As a result, the seals protect the lens inside optical surface and image sensor located between the camera lens and PCB from the outside environment. The lens inside optical surface and image sensor and PCB may be tested, calibrated, or have other assembly sequences completed outside of a clean room. Alignment of the PCB and lens inside optical surface and image sensor is also secured.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for securing a printed circuit board without the use of screws in a housing assembly comprising a bottom housing made of plastic and a top housing made of metal. The top housing comprises a plurality of ribs. The bottom housing comprises a plurality of flexible snap arms each having a head portion, which includes an angled lower face, a horizontal crush rib, and a vertical crush rib. Upon coupling of the assembly, the ribs exert a horizontal force on the flexible snap arms resulting in climbing of the angled lower face further onto the printed circuit board. The horizontal force may also crush the horizontal crush ribs allowing for increased flexibility between the components to adjust for interference, preventing potential damage to the printed circuit board. Vertical forces may also crush the vertical crush ribs allowing for increased flexibility between the components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat sinking a camera module, which may be used in an automotive camera, which includes but is not limited to automotive rear-view cameras, is described herein. Heating conductors and heat conductive pads may be arranged in a parallel orientation within the housing of the camera module to dissipate heat produced by the printed circuit boards (PCBs) and other components within. The heat conducting pads may conduct heat away from the PCB or component being cooled and into the heat sink, which may be a heat conducting material including but not limited to aluminum, aluminum alloys, or copper. The heating pads may also fill the air gaps within the housing of the camera module.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for securing a printed circuit board without the use of screws in a housing assembly comprising a bottom housing made of plastic and a top housing made of metal. The top housing comprises a plurality of ribs. The bottom housing comprises a plurality of flexible snap arms each having a head portion, which includes an angled lower face, a horizontal crush rib, and a vertical crush rib. Upon coupling of the assembly, the ribs exert a horizontal force on the flexible snap arms resulting in climbing of the angled lower face further onto the printed circuit board. The horizontal force may also crush the horizontal crush ribs allowing for increased flexibility between the components to adjust for interference, preventing potential damage to the printed circuit board. Vertical forces may also crush the vertical crush ribs allowing for increased flexibility between the components.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for securing a printed circuit board without the use of screws in a housing assembly comprising a bottom housing made of plastic and a top housing made of metal. The top housing comprises a plurality of ribs. The bottom housing comprises a plurality of flexible snap arms each having a head portion, which includes an angled lower face, a horizontal crush rib, and a vertical crush rib. Upon coupling of the assembly, the ribs exert a horizontal force on the flexible snap arms resulting in climbing of the angled lower face further onto the printed circuit board. The horizontal force may also crush the horizontal crush ribs allowing for increased flexibility between the components to adjust for interference, preventing potential damage to the printed circuit board. Vertical forces may also crush the vertical crush ribs allowing for increased flexibility between the components.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for securing a battery in an enclosure with some degree of flexibility between the components to adjust for variations in size of the components. A battery holder assembly comprises a first housing component, a second housing component, and a battery. The first component includes a battery receptacle, comprising a plurality of flexible arms to surround a battery. The second component comprises a plurality of crush ribs having a solid support, that will wedge in-between the second housing component wall and the flexible arms, and that have a specially designed protrusion that is “crushable.” The flexible arms, which are in contact with the battery are wide enough to spread out the force, so as not to damage the battery, while the crush ribs will dig only into the plastic to arrest the battery's vibration while compensating for the remaining tolerance or variation between components.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for securing a printed circuit board without the use of screws in a housing assembly comprising a bottom housing made of plastic and a top housing made of metal. The top housing comprises a plurality of ribs. The bottom housing comprises a plurality of flexible snap arms each having a head portion, which includes an angled lower face, a horizontal crush rib, and a vertical crush rib. Upon coupling of the assembly, the ribs exert a horizontal force on the flexible snap arms resulting in climbing of the angled lower face further onto the printed circuit board. The horizontal force may also crush the horizontal crush ribs allowing for increased flexibility between the components to adjust for interference, preventing potential damage to the printed circuit board. Vertical forces may also crush the vertical crush ribs allowing for increased flexibility between the components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing components of a front half camera module subassembly is described herein. The camera may be used in an automotive camera, which includes but is not limited to automotive rear-view cameras. A glue bead seal may be applied to the front half camera housing to which a camera lens may be attached. Then a glue bead seal may be applied to the other side of the front half camera housing to which a printed circuit board (PCB) is attached. As a result, the seals protect the lens inside optical surface and image sensor located between the camera lens and PCB from the outside environment. The lens inside optical surface and image sensor and PCB may be tested, calibrated, or have other assembly sequences completed outside of a clean room. Alignment of the PCB and lens inside optical surface and image sensor is also secured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat sinking a camera module, which may be used in an automotive camera, which includes but is not limited to automotive rear-view cameras, is described herein. Heating conductors and heat conductive pads may be arranged in a parallel orientation within the housing of the camera module to dissipate heat produced by the printed circuit boards (PCBs) and other components within. The heat conducting pads may conduct heat away from the PCB or component being cooled and into the heat sink, which may be a heat conducting material including but not limited to aluminum, aluminum alloys, or copper. The heating pads may also fill the air gaps within the housing of the camera module.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for dissipating or transferring heat from electronics secured in a housing unit. A housing unit includes a cover having a first fastener part and a base having a second fastener part. The base further includes a support structure for holding a printed circuit board (PCB) with mounted electronic components. A heat sink is placed within the base. The first fastener part and the second fastener part lock the cover and base together, with the heat sink and the PCB being secured between the support structure and the cover.

Abstract: Described herein is a two part camera module. A first part includes a lens assembly, a lens assembly holder, a printed circuit board (PCB) with an image capture device and a terminal block. The second part includes mounting elements, a connector shroud, an endcap, and an o-ring. The first part and the second part are configured to interconnect using a snap assembly. The first part is universal for all device applications and the second part is adaptable/interchangeable for each device application.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for camera module alignment. A camera module comprises a terminal block and an endcap with a connector shroud. The terminal block includes flexible terminal legs connected to a circuit board and terminal pins for connection with an external connector through the connector shroud. The terminal block includes alignment ribs and an endcap includes alignment pockets. Placement of the alignment ribs into the alignment pockets flexes the flexible terminal legs, moves the terminal block across the circuit board surface and aligns the terminal pins for connection with the external connector through the connector shroud.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a housing unit for an electronics module to an adapter member are disclosed. The method includes providing a housing with a first connection member and a second connection member, wherein the first connection member includes a flex rib and an abuse protection rib, attaching the first connection member to an adapter member, pivoting the housing on the first connection member to allow the second connection member to swing into position, and snapping the second connection member into the adapter member at an adapter member opening.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for dissipating or transferring heat from electronics secured in a housing unit. A housing unit includes a cover having a first fastener part and a base having a second fastener part. The base further includes a support structure for holding a printed circuit board (PCB) with mounted electronic components. A heat sink is placed within the base. The first fastener part and the second fastener part lock the cover and base together, with the heat sink and the PCB being secured between the support structure and the cover.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a housing unit for an electronics module to an adapter member are disclosed. The method includes providing a housing with a first connection member and a second connection member, wherein the first connection member includes a flex rib and an abuse protection rib, attaching the first connection member to an adapter member, pivoting the housing on the first connection member to allow the second connection member to swing into position, and snapping the second connection member into the adapter member at an adapter member opening.

Abstract: Described herein is a system and method for camera module alignment. A camera module comprises a terminal block and an endcap with a connector shroud. The terminal block includes flexible terminal legs connected to a circuit board and terminal pins for connection with an external connector through the connector shroud. The terminal block includes alignment ribs and an endcap includes alignment pockets. Placement of the alignment ribs into the alignment pockets flexes the flexible terminal legs, moves the terminal block across the circuit board surface and aligns the terminal pins for connection with the external connector through the connector shroud.

Abstract: Described herein is a two part camera module. A first part includes a lens assembly, a lens assembly holder, a printed circuit board (PCB) with an image capture device and a terminal block. The second part includes mounting elements, a connector shroud, an endcap, and an o-ring. The first part and the second part are configured to interconnect using a snap assembly. The first part is universal for all device applications and the second part is adaptable/interchangeable for each device application.

Abstract: A housing unit for securing electronics of a control module to a vehicle may include a housing and at least two connection members. The connection members connected to the housing may be adapted to engage an adaptor member (e.g., bracket) configured to be secured to a vehicle. The connection members may include at least one connection member configured to hook into the adaptor member and at least one connection member configured to snap into the adaptor member. Protrusion(s) may be included on the connection member(s) and be configured to contact the adaptor member to substantially eliminate transverse movement of the housing. The protrusion(s) may be crush-rib(s). The housing may include features to position, support, and minimize vibration of the electronics, where the electronics maybe disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB).

Abstract: A control module for controlling a rotational closure system of a vehicle. The control module may include a printed circuit board having an electronic circuit disposed thereon. The electronic circuit may be used to control a rotational closure system of the vehicle. A header may be connected to the printed circuit board. The header may include a top side and a bottom side having a relative, non-zero degree angle formed therebetween. Pins may extend from the bottom of the header to form an electrical connection with the electronic circuit on the printed circuit board. An angle sensor may be positioned on the top side of the header and be electrically connected to the pins of the header to communicate with the electronic circuit. The angle sensor may generate an angle signal for the electronic circuit to use in positioning the rotational closure system.