Breathable Membrane for Lens Barrel Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated sensor lens assemblies (ISLAs) face image quality impairment due to pressure changes caused by temperature variations, leading to optical element displacement and potential moisture ingress, which affects the quality of captured images.
Innovation Solution
A breathable membrane with pores large enough to permit nitrogen gas flow is used to cover the vent hole, allowing pressure equalization while preventing particle and moisture ingress, thereby maintaining image quality across temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the lens assembly is sealed to prevent moisture ingress, then protection against moisture is improved, but pressure equalization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a porous membrane material that allows gas molecules to pass through via diffusion while blocking larger particle contaminants. The membrane's pore structure enables nitrogen gas to equalize pressure between the lens cavity and external environment, preventing optical element displacement, while simultaneously maintaining protection against moisture and particle ingress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite sealing system combining an air-tight seal (such as an O-ring) with a porous membrane. The O-ring provides the primary seal against moisture and particles, while the porous membrane integrated into the seal structure enables pressure equalization through gas diffusion, achieving both protection and pressure stability functions simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a vent hole is opened for pressure equalization, then pressure stability is improved, but particle ingress prevention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional open vent hole with a porous membrane that allows gas diffusion while physically blocking particle contaminants. The membrane's controlled pore structure permits nitrogen gas molecules to pass through for pressure equalization while their size and shape prevent larger particle contaminants from entering the lens assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous membrane acts as an intermediary element between the internal lens cavity and the external environment. It mediates the interaction between pressure equalization requirements and contamination prevention needs, allowing beneficial gas exchange while blocking harmful particles and contaminants.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the outer lens protrudes to achieve wide field-of-view, then optical performance is improved, but vulnerability to impact damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements protective measures in advance by providing a replaceable lens assembly system with robust sealing and protection mechanisms. The air-tight seal and porous membrane are pre-installed to protect against environmental damage, and the replaceable design allows quick replacement if impact damage occurs, minimizing downtime and maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes by allowing replacement of the entire lens assembly or individual lens elements. When impact damage occurs or different field-of-view requirements arise, the lens assembly can be swapped out, changing the optical parameters without affecting the protected internal components, thus maintaining both optical performance and reliability.
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
The breathable membrane effectively stabilizes the optical elements and prevents image quality degradation by equalizing pressure and blocking particles, ensuring consistent image capture performance.
Implementation Method 1
the membrane has pores large enough to permit nitrogen gas to flow through the membrane and the vent hole
Implementation Method 2
the membrane may be hydrophobic
Data Source
AI summary
Breathable membranes for lens assemblies are described. For example, a system may include a lens barrel having an inner channel extending from a first end of the lens barrel to a second end of the lens barrel. The lens barrel can include one or more inner lenses positioned within the inner channel. The lens barrel has a vent hole in a side of the lens barrel that extends from the inner channel to an exterior surface of the lens barrel. The system includes a membrane attached to the lens barrel and positioned to cover the vent hole. The membrane has pores large enough to permit nitrogen gas to flow through the membrane and the vent hole.