Camera Enclosure Humidity Control Using Variable Power Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Increased power consumption of electrical components in camera enclosures leads to condensation issues, with current venting methods being inefficient, resulting in obstructed views, especially in cold environments, and increasing overall camera size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A camera design featuring a first electrical component shifting to a higher heat dissipation state, accompanied by a second electrical component with variable power consumption, and materials that absorb water molecules when cooled and desorb when heated, with a controller temporarily reducing the second component's power consumption to counteract humidity increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power consumption of electrical components is increased, then functionality and performance are improved, but condensation of water on the window occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A desiccant material is introduced as an intermediary substance between the electrical components and the window. This desiccant absorbs excess moisture from the air inside the enclosure when components generate heat and humidity, preventing condensation on the window while allowing high power consumption for functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The humidity parameter inside the enclosure is actively managed by using the desiccant material to absorb moisture when humidity increases due to component operation. The desiccant dynamically changes its moisture absorption capacity based on temperature and humidity conditions, maintaining optimal parameters to prevent condensation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If active dryers or passive membranes are provided to vent moisture, then condensation is prevented, but the size and cost of the camera increases
Solution Approach 1:
The desiccant material provides self-service moisture absorption without requiring external power sources, motors, or complex control systems. The material automatically absorbs moisture when humidity increases and can be regenerated by heating, eliminating the need for active drying systems and reducing camera size.
Solution Approach 2:
The desiccant material is a simple, inexpensive substance that can be replaced or regenerated rather than using expensive, complex active drying systems. This approach reduces both the cost and size of the camera while effectively preventing condensation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If heaters are provided to heat the window and reduce condensation, then condensation is prevented, but overall power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat generated by the electrical components during normal operation, which initially causes humidity increase, is converted into a beneficial effect by using it to regenerate the desiccant material. The desiccant absorbs moisture when cool and releases it when heated by the components, turning waste heat into a useful function and eliminating the need for additional heating power.
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 reduces condensation within the camera enclosure by leveraging the properties of certain materials to manage humidity, maintaining clear views without significantly increasing power consumption or camera size.
Implementation Method 1
a first portion of a material has the property of being capable of absorbing water molecules when being cooled and desorbing water when being heated
Implementation Method 2
a second portion of a material has the property of being capable of absorbing water molecules when being cooled and desorbing water when being heated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A camera and a method of counteracting an increase in humidity of a first air volume (2a) inside an enclosure (2) of a camera (10), the increase in humidity being induced by a first electrical component (10) being shifted from a first state (10S1) to a second state (10S2) being associated with an increase in heat dissipation from the first electrical component (10), the first electrical component (10) directly or indirectly dissipating heat to the first air volume (2a). The concept involves: temporarily decreasing (S103), as the first electrical component (10) is shifted (S102) the second state (10S2), electrical power consumption of a second electrical component (20) having a variable electrical power consumption, the second electrical component (20) directly or indirectly dissipating heat to the first air volume (2a).