Vehicle Camera Lens Heater Stack for Reflection and Resistance Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-vehicle imaging devices face issues with unstable film resistance of metal heaters due to uneven reflection suppressor surfaces, leading to deteriorated heating performance for removing water drops and other obstructions from lenses.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device incorporates a two-layer reflection suppressor structure, with a first reflection suppressor having an uneven surface on the top lens side and a smoother second reflection suppressor on the heater member side, preventing unstable film resistance and maintaining effective heating performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a metal film heater is attached to an uneven reflection suppressor surface, then light reflection is suppressed, but the film resistance of the metal film becomes unstable and heating performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reflection suppressor is divided into two distinct layers: a first reflection suppressor layer with an uneven surface for light reflection suppression, and a second reflection suppressor layer with a smooth surface for stable heater attachment. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different surface qualities are applied to different layers of the reflection suppressor. The first layer has an uneven surface structure specifically for suppressing light reflection, while the second layer has a smooth surface specifically for providing stable electrical contact with the heater. Each layer's local quality is optimized for its specific function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a single-layer uneven reflection suppressor is used, then light reflection is suppressed, but the heater's heating performance deteriorates due to unstable film resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The reflection suppressor is segmented into two functional layers, allowing the first layer to handle light reflection suppression while the second layer ensures stable heater performance. This resolves the conflict between optical performance and heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The second reflection suppressor layer acts as an intermediary between the uneven first layer and the heater, providing a stable interface that ensures consistent electrical contact and reliable heating performance while allowing the first layer to perform its optical function.
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 configuration stabilizes the film resistance of metal heaters, ensuring consistent heating performance for removing water drops and other obstructions from lenses while suppressing light reflection and ghosting flare.
Implementation Method 1
The heater member is used for a heater configured to heat a top lens closest to an object among the lenses included in the lens unit
Implementation Method 2
The reflection suppressor is, for example, black resin containing pigment, dye, or the like to form an uneven surface that facilitates irregular reflection
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes an imaging unit, a lens unit including a plurality of lenses stacked on each other to guide light to the imaging unit, a heater member used for a heater configured to heat a top lens closest to an object among the lenses included in the lens unit, and a reflection suppressor disposed between a region outside of an effective region of the top lens and the heater member, the reflection suppressor being configured to suppress light reflection. The reflection suppressor includes a first reflection suppressor disposed on the top lens side and having an uneven surface, and a second reflection suppressor disposed on the heater member side, the first reflection suppressor being layered on the second reflection suppressor. A surface of the second reflection suppressor facing the heater member is smoother than a surface of the second reflection suppressor facing the first reflection suppressor.