Vehicle Camera Assembly Sealing Around Connector Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera assemblies for motor vehicles fail to provide effective sealing against dust and dirt, particularly at the electrical connector opening, which can lead to blurred images and potential electrical damage from conductive particles like metallic powder.
Innovation Solution
A camera assembly with a housing configuration that includes an insulating member, such as a paste-like element, dividing the interior into two chambers to prevent dust and dirt from reaching the image sensor, while maintaining electrical connectivity and using a thermally conductive material for efficient heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing means such as a rubber gasket or sealing cord is fitted at the second opening for receiving the electrical connector, then dust and dirt can be prevented from entering the housing, but the complexity and manufacturing costs increase due to limited space and awkward sealing operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function with the insulating member (paste-like element) that is already present in the housing. The insulating member is configured to seal both the first opening (lens opening) and the second opening (electrical connector opening), eliminating the need for separate sealing means at the electrical connector opening. This integration reduces structural complexity while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical insulation, seals the lens opening, and seals the electrical connector opening. This multi-functionality approach allows a single component to address multiple requirements, reducing the overall number of components and simplifying the sealing structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the second opening is positioned to accommodate the electrical connector, then electrical connectivity is enabled, but there is little room for fitting a sealing means
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged into the insulating member that is already positioned in the housing. The insulating member extends to seal the second opening where the electrical connector is received, eliminating the need for additional sealing components in the limited space available.
Solution Approach 2:
The paste-like insulating member can be applied in a flexible manner to conform to the available space around the electrical connector opening. This allows effective sealing in the limited area without requiring rigid sealing components that would not fit.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dust and dirt enter the housing and contact the image sensor, then image quality deteriorates and electrical components may be damaged, but existing sealing methods are insufficient or too complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protective functions into a single insulating member that seals all openings in the housing. This unified approach provides comprehensive protection against dust and dirt entering through any opening while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate sealing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating member is configured to segment the housing interior into separate chambers, isolating the image sensor from the external environment. This segmentation creates a protected zone that prevents harmful particles from reaching sensitive components.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and efficient sealing mechanism that prevents dust and dirt from contacting the image sensor, ensuring clear images and protecting electronic components from damage, while optimizing manufacturing processes and space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating member (70) dividing an interior of the housing (10, 20) into two chambers (13a, 13b), the image sensor (40) being arranged in a second chamber (13b)
Implementation Method 2
using a thermally conductive material for efficient heat dissipation
Implementation Method 3
Light from the exterior is guided by the lens or lens assembly towards the image sensor or imager
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A camera assembly (1) for motor vehicles comprises a housing (10, 20) with at least one opening (60) for receiving a connector-adapter (61), an image sensor (40) connected to an electronics carrier (30) provided within the housing (10, 20), and an insulating member (70) within the housing (10, 20) defining at least a first and second chamber (13a, 13b). The electronics carrier (30) is intersected by the insulating member (70) preventing matter from passing from the first chamber (13a) to the second chamber (13b). The assembling method comprises deposition of insulating material within the housing (10, 20) to form an insulating member (70) and fitting of the electronics carrier (30) within the housing (10, 20) such that the electronics carrier (30) is intersected by the insulating member (70).