Vehicular Camera EMI Shielding via Connector Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle vision systems face challenges in effectively mitigating radiated or conducted RF interference due to inadequate electromagnetic shielding in camera assemblies, which can impact image quality and system reliability.
Innovation Solution
A camera assembly with an enhanced EMI shielding mechanism, featuring a shield connecting structure that electrically conductively connects the camera housing's shield element to the electrical connector, ensuring a continuous ground path from the vehicle wire harness to the camera's circuit board, utilizing a metallic shield with flexible bent fingers or tabs for secure engagement with the connector, thereby reducing RF interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional camera assemblies are used without enhanced shielding structures, then the device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but electromagnetic shielding effectiveness deteriorates leading to increased RF interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shielding function with the existing camera housing and electrical connector components. The housing itself is designed with conductive properties and integrated shielding elements, while the electrical connector incorporates conductive features that work together with the housing to form a continuous shielding system. This integration approach provides effective EMI shielding without adding separate, complex shielding structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connector serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection between the camera module and vehicle wiring harness, mechanical support for the camera module, and electromagnetic shielding through its conductive elements. The housing also serves as both structural support and as part of the shielding system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated shielding components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If complex shielding structures are added to mitigate RF interference, then electromagnetic shielding effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding functionality is merged into the existing manufacturing processes for the camera housing and electrical connector. These components are produced using standard automotive-grade materials and manufacturing techniques, avoiding the need for specialized shielding production processes. The conductive properties are achieved through material selection and standard manufacturing methods rather than additional complex processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves shielding effectiveness through changes in material parameters and geometric configurations of existing components rather than adding complex shielding structures. The electrical connector and housing are designed with specific conductive material properties and geometric features that provide shielding when connected, utilizing parameter optimization within standard manufacturing capabilities.
3Device complexity
If the electrical connector is designed without integrated conductive elements, then the connector design is simpler, but the continuous ground path and shielding effectiveness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector integrates conductive shielding elements directly into its structure, merging the electrical connection function with the shielding function. The conductive elements are incorporated as part of the connector's construction, creating a unified component that provides both electrical connectivity and electromagnetic shielding when properly installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elements in the electrical connector are designed to establish equipotential connections between the camera module, housing, and vehicle ground. This ensures a continuous ground path that maintains shielding effectiveness by keeping all connected components at the same electrical potential, preventing RF interference and ground loops.
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 effective EMI shielding, reducing radiated or conducted RF interference, while maintaining a low-cost and simple design, suitable for various camera types and configurations, ensuring reliable image capture and processing.
Implementation Method 1
a shield connecting structure that electrically conductively connects a shield element of the camera housing with the connector when the connector is attached at the rear of the camera housing
Implementation Method 2
The camera of the present invention provides enhanced EMI shielding to mitigate radiated or conducted RF interference
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular camera assembly includes a camera housing, a circuit board having an imager and a first electrical connector. A rear portion of the camera housing includes an attachment portion having an aperture, and includes a first electrically conductive element at the aperture. A second electrical connector is attached at the rear portion of the camera housing. The second electrical connector includes (i) a connector portion for connecting to a vehicle wire harness, (ii) a connecting end for connecting to the first electrical connector, and (iii) a second electrically conductive element for electrically connecting to the first electrically conductive element. As the second electrical connector is attached at the rear portion of the camera housing, the first electrically conductive element engages the second electrically conductive element to establish and maintain electrically conductive connection between the first and second electrically conductive elements.