Camera Battery Thermal Management via Resistive Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital cameras with Lithium-ion batteries experience reduced battery lifetimes in low temperature environments due to inefficient battery chemistries, as existing thermal management systems do not provide a mechanism to increase battery temperature, leading to reduced camera performance and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A thermal management system that utilizes resistive heating of image sensor electronics and external display devices to generate thermal energy, which is then used to increase the temperature of the battery assembly, controlled by a processor that adjusts operational modes to optimize thermal energy dissipation and maintain the battery within a recoverable temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If thermal management systems use heat sinks and heat spreaders to reduce camera temperatures, then camera overheating is reduced, but no mechanism exists to increase battery temperature in low temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the waste heat generated by image sensor electronics and display devices into a beneficial resource for heating the battery. Instead of dissipating this thermal energy uselessly, the system captures and redirects it to warm the battery, thereby extending battery lifetime in cold environments while maintaining normal operation of other camera components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal management system with a processor that acts as an intermediary between the heat-generating components (image sensor, display) and the battery. This intermediary system monitors temperatures and controls the redistribution of thermal energy, using the waste heat from electronics to warm the battery when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Li-ion battery chemistries operate in low temperature environments, then camera operation is maintained, but battery lifetimes are reduced due to inefficient chemistries
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the normally wasted thermal energy from camera electronics into a beneficial heating source for the battery. By capturing and redirecting this waste heat, the system maintains battery temperature within an efficient operating range, thereby extending battery lifetime while preserving camera adaptability to cold environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal management system enables the battery to heat itself using waste heat from other camera components. Rather than requiring an external heating source or chemical heating agent, the battery receives thermal energy from the camera's own operational components, creating a self-sustaining thermal management system.
3Device complexity
If existing camera systems do not provide battery heating mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but battery operation efficiency decreases in cold conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management system makes existing camera components (image sensor electronics, display devices) serve dual functions: their primary function (image capture, display output) and a secondary function (heat generation for battery warming). This multi-functionality allows the system to improve battery efficiency without adding dedicated heating components, thereby minimizing increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the camera's own operational components to provide thermal management for the battery. The image sensor and display, which must operate anyway for camera functionality, automatically generate the heat needed to maintain battery temperature, eliminating the need for separate heating mechanisms and keeping the system relatively simple.
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 thermal management system effectively increases battery operation efficiency and extends camera lifetimes by maintaining the battery temperature above non-recoverable thresholds, preventing battery degradation and ensuring reliable camera operation in low temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A thermal management system that utilizes resistive heating of image sensor electronics and external display devices to generate thermal energy
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system includes a lens assembly and image processing electronics internal to the camera housing and thermally coupled to the battery assembly. The battery assembly is sensitive to low ambient temperatures and may become damaged if the temperature of the assembly becomes sufficiently low. The camera system comprises a thermal management system that dissipates heat from electronic components of the camera to increase or maintain the temperature of the battery assembly. The thermal management configures the electronic components in different modes to create a step-wise increase of the resistive heat generated in the camera system and thereby increase the temperature of the components in the camera system.