Forward Camera Module Cooling Using Windshield and HVAC Airflow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle vision systems face challenges in efficiently dissipating heat generated by imaging sensors, which can lead to increased operating temperatures and reduced image quality if not adequately cooled.
Innovation Solution
A windshield-mounted forward viewing camera system with an integrated cooling system using thermally conductive tape to dissipate heat from the camera module to the windshield, combined with a HVAC system to force cooling air over the camera module, and heat dissipating fins with a cooling fan assembly for enhanced heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat dissipating fins are used to dissipate heat from the camera module, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cooling functions into a single integrated cooling system. The heat dissipating fins are integrated with the camera module housing, and the same system serves both heat dissipation and structural support functions, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal interface material as an intermediary between the heat generating component and the heat dissipating fins. This mediator optimizes heat transfer efficiency while allowing independent optimization of each component, resolving the contradiction between effective heat dissipation and system simplicity.
2Temperature
If a cooling fan assembly is added to force air flow over the camera module, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fan assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it forces air flow over the camera module for cooling, and the same air flow path is used for heat dissipation from the heat dissipating fins. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cooling mechanisms, offsetting the added complexity with functional consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is designed with adjustable fan speed capabilities, allowing the system to dynamically adapt cooling intensity to actual thermal conditions. This dynamic control enables the system to maintain optimal cooling efficiency while consuming minimal power when high cooling is not required, effectively managing the complexity-power consumption trade-off.
3Temperature
If thermally conductive tape is used to conduct heat to the windshield, then heat dissipation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible thermally conductive tape instead of rigid thermal interfaces. This flexible film can conform to slight variations in surface alignment between the camera module and windshield, accommodating manufacturing tolerances while maintaining effective thermal contact. The flexibility of the thin film resolves the contradiction between heat dissipation efficiency and manufacturing precision requirements.
4Reliability
If multiple cooling mechanisms are implemented, then heat dissipation reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges passive heat dissipation (through heat dissipating fins and thermally conductive tape) with active cooling (through the cooling fan assembly) into a single integrated cooling system. This unified approach provides multiple cooling mechanisms working together, improving reliability while avoiding the complexity of separate, independent cooling systems. The merged system shares common components and control pathways, reducing overall architectural complexity.
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
Effectively maintains the camera module at optimal operating temperatures, reducing the risk of overheating and improving image quality while potentially eliminating the need for separate heating elements and fans, thus enhancing system efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally conductive tape that extends around a peripheral lip of a mounting portion or surface of the camera module... and that interfaces with or engages or adheres to or thermally conductively connects to the in-cabin side of the vehicle windshield
Implementation Method 2
a cooling fan assembly attached at the outer side of the housing... that, when electrically powered, rotatably drives a plurality of fan blades of the cooling fan assembly to force air along or across the outer side of the housing, such as along and between the heat dissipating fins
Implementation Method 3
Heat dissipating fins are disposed at least at an outer side of the housing and are in thermal connection with the circuit board within the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular vision system includes a camera module mounted at an in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicle. The camera module includes a temperature sensor. An airflow source of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of the vehicle is in fluid communication with a vent at an interior portion of the vehicle. When circuitry of the camera module is electrically operated, and when the vehicular vision system controls the HVAC system to direct airflow via the vent along a portion of the camera module, heat generated by the circuitry of the camera module during operation of the circuitry is dissipated. The vehicular vision system controls the HVAC system to direct airflow via the vent along the portion of the camera module responsive to an output of the temperature sensor being indicative of the circuitry of the camera module operating outside of a set operating temperature range.