Vehicle Camera Control Unit Thermal Housing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera arrangements on vehicles face challenges in managing temperature fluctuations, particularly due to lack of sufficient heat storage capacity and direct heating methods, which can lead to damage of temperature-sensitive control units and rapid heating of lenses, causing operational issues.
Innovation Solution
The control unit is housed in a thermally conductive enclosure within the vehicle, separated from the lens and image sensor, which are externally mounted, allowing for controlled heating and cooling to maintain the control unit within safe temperature ranges, preventing overheating and ensuring gradual heating of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the control unit is placed inside the vehicle without thermal protection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control unit is exposed to excessive temperature and rapid heating that can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the camera system into two distinct thermal zones: the control unit is isolated in a protected housing inside the vehicle, while the lens and image sensor are exposed externally. This segmentation allows different thermal management strategies for each component based on their temperature sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary thermal management system including a housing with thermal insulation, heating elements, and temperature sensors that mediate between the internal vehicle environment and the external camera components, controlling the thermal exposure of the control unit.
2Temperature
If components with high heat storage capacity are added to the vehicle interior, then the heating rate of the vehicle interior is reduced, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding heavy thermal mass throughout the vehicle interior, the patent applies thermal management locally at the camera control unit level through its dedicated housing with insulation and heating elements, providing targeted temperature control without increasing overall vehicle weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit housing includes integrated heating elements and temperature sensors that enable the control unit to self-regulate its temperature, compensating for rapid vehicle interior heating without requiring heavy external thermal mass or active cooling systems.
3Loss of time
If the control unit is heated rapidly to reach operating temperature, then the startup time is reduced, but the control unit may exceed maximum operating temperature and become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system with temperature sensors monitoring the control unit temperature and a control unit that adjusts heating element power accordingly, enabling rapid yet controlled heating that prevents temperature overshoot while minimizing startup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system operates dynamically by adjusting heating power based on real-time temperature conditions, using high power initially for rapid heating then reducing power as the control unit approaches target temperature, optimizing both startup time and temperature control.
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
This arrangement effectively manages temperature fluctuations, preventing damage to electronic components, maintaining optimal operating conditions for the control unit, and allowing for minimal housing size while ensuring the camera system operates within safe temperature limits.
Implementation Method 1
the housing has a thermal conductivity that ensures that, with a conventional arrangement of the control unit in a vehicle, the heating caused by the heat source remains within a certain heating rate range
Implementation Method 2
the heat produced by the control unit during operation is dissipated from the control unit by the housing to such an extent that the control unit is prevented from heating up beyond a maximum temperature
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b~4c
AI summary
The invention relates to the arrangement of a camera on a vehicle comprising a first temperature range and a second temperature range, the camera comprising a lens including an image sensor and a control unit that can be heated at a maximum heating rate, wherein the control unit is arranged in the first temperature range, which temperature range can be heated by a heating source, and the lens is arranged in the second temperature range, wherein the first temperature range and the second temperature range are separated by a vehicle body of the vehicle, wherein the image sensor and the control unit are connected via a data connection, wherein the control unit is arranged in a housing, which housing is thermally coupled to the control unit via thermally conductive components and has a thermal conductivity of at least 150.0 W/m²K and/or of a maximum of 250.exhibits 0 W/m2K and/or can be heated with an ambient heating rate within a heating rate range comprising a lower heating rate range limit and an upper heating rate range limit.