Camera Heat Dissipation Structure Using Single Fan
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image pickup apparatuses face challenges in efficiently cooling both the image pickup device and the main circuit board using a single fan, leading to reduced heat dissipation efficiency and increased size, while also posing difficulties in weight balance and user handling due to the placement of heavy cooling components.
Innovation Solution
A heat dissipation structure that utilizes a single cooling fan to efficiently cool both a first circuit board and a second circuit board disposed orthogonally to the first, through a duct system with strategically placed intake and exhaust ports, allowing for compact design and balanced weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a single cooling fan is used to cool both the image pickup device and the main circuit board, then the size of the camera body is reduced, but the heat dissipation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two independent air circulation paths: a first air circulation passage for cooling the image pickup device and a second air circulation passage for cooling the main circuit board. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized independently, maintaining high heat dissipation efficiency while using a single fan to drive both circulation paths through strategic placement of intake and exhaust ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cooling fan is designed to serve multiple functions by simultaneously driving two separate air circulation passages. The fan creates pressure differences that enable air to flow through both the image pickup device cooling path and the main circuit board cooling path, achieving multi-functionality with a single component.
2Stability of the object's composition
If heavy components such as cooling fans are disposed at locations corresponding to holding portions, then weight balance is improved, but the image pickup apparatus is increased in size
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fan is positioned in the width direction (left-right dimension) rather than in the holding portion area (height dimension). The first intake port is formed at the left side surface and the first exhaust port at the right side surface, allowing the fan to be arranged horizontally. This dimensional repositioning maintains weight balance for stable holding without increasing the vertical size that would affect compactness.
3Loss of energy
If ventilation portions are formed in the exterior, then heat dissipation is improved, but users may erroneously cover the ventilation portions with their hands
Solution Approach 1:
The first exhaust port is positioned at the right side surface and the second exhaust port at the left side surface, distributing ventilation openings across the width dimension rather than concentrating them on surfaces that would be covered by the user's hand during holding. This spatial distribution ensures effective heat dissipation while preventing user interference with the ventilation portions.
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 solution enables efficient cooling of both heat sources with a single fan, reducing the overall size of the apparatus, improving weight balance, and preventing user interference with ventilation ports, enhancing user handling and operational comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fan that is attached to the first duct and has a second exhaust port for discharging air flowing into the flow passage of the first duct
Implementation Method 2
a first duct that has a first intake port and has a flow passage formed therein for cooling the first circuit board
Implementation Method 3
a flow passage formed therein for cooling the first circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus capable of efficiently cooling first and second circuit boards, using one cooling fan. A main circuit board is arranged substantially in parallel to a side surface of a casing. A sensor circuit board is arranged orthogonal to the side surface of the camera casing. A main duct is formed with a flow passage for cooling the main circuit board. A sensor duct has an exhaust port and is formed with a flow passage for cooling the sensor circuit board. A cooling fan is fixed to the main duct and has an exhaust port for discharging air flowing into the flow passage of the main duct. The main duct is formed with an opening connected to the exhaust port of the sensor duct, and introduces air discharged from the exhaust port of the sensor duct into the flow passage of the main duct.