Market Context — Why This Technology, Why Now

The increasing complexity of vehicle interiors and the demand for seamless integration of electronic devices are driving manufacturers to seek innovative mounting solutions. Regulatory mandates for dashcams in various regions, coupled with consumer expectations for DIY-friendly installations, create a strong market pull. This technology offers a crucial competitive edge by simplifying installation, reducing potential defects, and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of in-vehicle camera systems, aligning with premium automotive design trends.

Key Competitive Advantages
01

Enables intuitive multi-axis adjustment, potentially reducing installation time by ~60%

02

Enhances product aesthetics by concealing gaps with easily shrinkable materials

03

Provides flexible adaptation to diverse glass surfaces and installation environments

Market Opportunity
Dashcam Market
$300M–$400M domestically (AI est.)
Increased awareness of accident prevention and aggressive driving countermeasures, along with strengthening legal regulations, drives continuous demand. Ease of installation becomes a key purchasing factor.
Automotive electronics manufacturers Aftermarket accessory brands Retail chains specializing in car goods
ADAS Camera and Sensor Market
$15B–$35B globally (AI est.)
With the widespread adoption of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems, the number of cameras and sensors installed inside and outside vehicles is increasing. This technology shows high compatibility due to the need for precise positioning.
Tier 1 automotive suppliers Autonomous driving technology developers Specialized sensor manufacturers
In-Car Display Peripherals Market
$100M–$200M domestically (AI est.)
As in-car displays become larger and more multi-functional, there is a demand for smart mounting methods for peripheral devices. This technology appeals to users who prioritize design aesthetics.
Automotive infotainment system providers Premium car accessory designers Consumer electronics brands
Commercial Vehicle Fleet Management Market
$150M–$250M domestically (AI est.)
Commercial vehicles like buses and trucks are equipped with multiple cameras for operational recording and safety monitoring. Simplifying installation and adjustment directly contributes to reducing operational costs.
Fleet management software providers Commercial vehicle OEMs Telematics solution companies
IP Defensibility — Why Competitors Can't Replicate This
What This Patent Covers

This patent protects the specific multi-axis adjustment mechanism for camera mounting, including its hinge structure, rotating ring, and various spacer configurations. The robust prosecution history, overcoming multiple examiner objections and prior art references, indicates a strong, difficult-to-invalidate right, providing a stable IP foundation for licensees.

Competitive White Space

This patent primarily covers the mechanical adjustment and aesthetic integration of the mounting bracket. White space exists for developing advanced electronic integration, wireless power solutions, or AI-driven auto-calibration software for the camera systems themselves.

Economic Impact
~$0.75M/year estimated economic impact per facility (est.)
estimated ROI · USD · AI analysis
ROI Calculation Logic

For a company producing 1 million units/year: Reducing installation adjustment time by 1 minute per unit saves ~$0.33/unit (AI est.) in labor costs. Reducing customer support costs saves ~$0.07/unit (AI est.). Increasing product unit price by ~$0.33/unit (AI est.) due to enhanced aesthetics and convenience. This totals an estimated ~$0.73M/year (AI est.) in combined cost savings and revenue.

Speed to Market
6× faster than in-house development
This technology clearly describes specific components like the hinge structure, rotating ring, and multiple spacer types, making its integration into existing in-vehicle camera and bracket manufacturing processes relatively straightforward. It can be produced using general-purpose resin molding and metal processing techniques, minimizing the need for new equipment and allowing for early product commercialization by leveraging existing production lines. With the structure already established, the design, prototyping, and evaluation phases could be significantly shortened, enabling market entry within 6 to 12 months.
Competitive Positioning

X: Installation Flexibility & Ease of Adjustment
Y: Product Aesthetics & Design

Business Models & Applications
💡 Product Integration Licensing
A model where the licensee integrates this technology into their manufactured and sold in-vehicle camera products or related accessories, paying a license fee. This enables market entry with high-value-added products.
⚙️ Component Supply Business
A model where brackets and spacers with this adjustment mechanism are manufactured as components and supplied to in-vehicle equipment manufacturers. This could generate stable revenue by integrating into existing supply chains.
🤝 Joint Development & OEM Supply
A model involving joint development with specific automotive manufacturers or major in-vehicle equipment makers to create customized products based on this technology, supplied as OEMs. This could establish long-term relationships through exclusive supply contracts.
Adjacent Application Opportunities
🏭 産業用カメラ
Precision Adjustment for Robot Vision & Surveillance Cameras
Applicable to angle adjustment for vision sensors on robotic arms or surveillance cameras in factories. This enables rapid and precise camera alignment during production line changes or object repositioning, reducing downtime and improving production efficiency by an estimated 15-20%.
🏠 家庭用セキュリティ
Easy Setup & Angle Adjustment for Smart Home Cameras
Can be utilized as an easy mounting and angle adjustment mechanism for home security cameras or pet monitoring cameras. It could reduce DIY installation barriers by up to 40%, encouraging broader consumer adoption of smart home products.
🔬 医療・介護機器
Flexible Arm for Telemedicine & Monitoring Devices
Applicable to angle adjustment mechanisms for diagnostic cameras in telemedicine or monitoring cameras in elder care devices. This could allow medical professionals or family members to easily adjust camera orientation remotely, improving information acquisition efficiency by an estimated 25%.
Integration Roadmap — Estimated 21-Month Deployment
Phase 1: Technology Suitability & Design
Duration: 5 months
Assess the technology's suitability for existing product portfolios and define specific product specifications and design requirements. This includes verifying compatibility with existing CAD data and manufacturing processes.
Phase 2: Prototype Development & Validation
Duration: 8 months
Develop prototypes based on the defined design and conduct rigorous tests for functionality, durability, and operability. Field tests in actual vehicle environments will also be performed to verify performance.
Phase 3: Mass Production & Market Launch
Duration: 8 months
Execute mass production design reflecting prototype validation results and establish manufacturing processes. After setting up quality control systems, implement the product's market introduction plan and establish sales channels.
Technical Feasibility
This technology is composed of specific structures, such as a hinge-like rotating axis between a first and second member, and a rotating ring that holds the camera. This makes integration into existing in-vehicle camera and bracket manufacturing lines relatively easy. It can be produced using general-purpose resin molding and metal processing techniques, minimizing special equipment investment and allowing for adoption by leveraging existing supply chains. The technical hurdles are low, and it could accelerate feature additions to existing products or speed up new product development.
Success Scenario
Upon adopting this technology, in-vehicle camera products could allow users to intuitively adjust camera orientation without tools. This is estimated to reduce product initial setup time by an average of 60%, significantly boosting customer satisfaction. Furthermore, inquiries related to installation could be reduced by approximately 30% annually, contributing to lower customer support costs. Ultimately, this could lead to enhanced product differentiation and brand value in the market.
Patent Record
APPLICATION NO.
特願2022-013899
REGISTRATION NO.
7588419
FILING DATE
2022/02/01
GRANT DATE
2024/11/14
EXPIRATION DATE
2042/02/01
PATENT HOLDER
株式会社ユピテル
Examination History
2022年02月22日
出願審査請求書
2022年12月20日
拒絶理由通知書
2023年02月13日
手続補正書（自発・内容）
2023年02月13日
意見書
2023年05月30日
拒絶査定
2023年08月29日
手続補正書（自発・内容）
2023年09月05日
審査前置移管
2023年09月12日
審査前置移管通知
2023年12月01日
審査前置解除
2023年12月05日
審査前置解除通知
2024年06月18日
拒絶理由通知書
2024年08月15日
意見書
2024年08月15日
手続補正書（自発・内容）
2024年10月08日
特許査定