Camera Housing Heating Element Using Dielectric Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle cameras struggle to capture images effectively when fogged due to moisture or humidity caused by temperature differences, as existing heating elements can generate high heat that damages peripheral materials.
Innovation Solution
A camera design incorporating a Laser Directing Structure (LDS) fabrication method to form heating elements using high-frequency signals, which are integrated into the camera housing to remove frost or moisture from the lens through convection without damaging the lens or housing, using a conductive material and metal compounds like copper or nickel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional heating elements using nichrome wires are used to heat to high temperature of about 200° C. to remove moisture, then moisture removal effectiveness is improved, but peripheral materials located in the vicinity of the heating elements are damaged due to high heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the heating mechanism from conventional resistive heating (nichrome wires at 200°C) to dielectric heating using high-frequency electromagnetic signals. This parameter change in the heating method allows effective moisture removal without the need for high temperatures that would damage surrounding materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical/electrical heating system (nichrome wires with resistive heating) with an electromagnetic field-based heating system using a PCB antenna. This substitution enables heating through dielectric loss in the moisture-containing air, avoiding direct contact heating that damages materials.
2Reliability
If heating elements are installed to prevent fogging on camera lenses, then image capture functionality in humid conditions is improved, but the heating elements may damage the lens or housing materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a PCB antenna as an intermediary element that generates high-frequency electromagnetic fields to heat moisture in the air indirectly. This intermediary approach allows moisture removal without requiring direct heating elements that would contact or be in close proximity to the lens and housing materials, thus preventing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters from conventional low-frequency electrical heating to high-frequency electromagnetic heating. This parameter change enables the heating of moisture through dielectric loss without the need for high temperatures, thereby protecting the lens and housing materials from thermal damage.
3Power
If conventional heating elements are used to generate heat for moisture removal, then heating capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and material compatibility issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the heating function into the existing PCB structure by using a PCB antenna that serves both as a signal transmission component and as a heating element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating elements, reducing manufacturing complexity and avoiding material compatibility issues between different components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the heating function with the existing PCB antenna structure. The PCB antenna, which is already part of the camera's electronic system, is utilized to generate high-frequency electromagnetic fields for moisture removal, combining multiple functions into a single component and simplifying the overall device structure.
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 effectively prevents lens fogging by generating heat through high-frequency signals, ensuring the camera can operate in humid conditions without damaging the lens or housing, thus maintaining image capture functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A camera design incorporating a Laser Directing Structure (LDS) fabrication method to form heating elements using high-frequency signals
Implementation Method 2
remove frost or moisture from the lens through convection
Implementation Method 3
Laser Directing Structure (LDS) fabrication method to form heating elements
Data Source
AI summary
A camera includes a lens part in which a lens is installed, a housing coupled to the lens part, and a substrate electrically coupled to the lens part, wherein the housing includes a metal compound, a heating-element groove is formed over one or more surfaces of the housing, and a heating element including a conductive material is disposed in the heating-element groove, and wherein the substrate includes a coupling part coupled with the heating element.