Vehicle Camera Lens Heater Foil Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle cameras are susceptible to view obstruction by mud, salt, or dust, and existing solutions like lens heating are expensive and require complex camera redesigns, while current washer systems are not efficient for immediate cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle vision system incorporating CMOS cameras with a thin resistive foil heating element around the lens barrel for deicing and a pressurized fluid washer attachment for cleaning, allowing for integration without modifying the camera design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lens heating function is included within the camera to defog the elements, then the camera can clear ice and debris from the lens, but the camera design becomes more expensive, larger, and requires additional connection circuits and manual assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is separated from the camera body and implemented as an external attachment that wraps around the lens barrel. This segmentation allows the camera to maintain its original simple design while still providing the heating capability through a separate, modular component.
Solution Approach 2:
A resistive heating element serves as an intermediary component between the power source and the lens. This heating element wraps around the lens barrel and provides the necessary thermal energy to clear ice and debris without requiring internal modification of the camera structure.
2Reliability
If a lens heating function is included within the camera, then the camera can defog the elements, but the production assembly processes become more manually intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the heating function into an external attachment, the manufacturing process becomes simpler and more scalable. The attachment can be produced independently using standardized components and assembly techniques, avoiding the need for complex manual integration into the camera body during production.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating attachment uses inexpensive resistive heating elements that can be easily replaced if needed, reducing the cost and complexity of the overall system. This approach prioritizes functional reliability over permanent integration, allowing for cost-effective manufacturing and maintenance.
3Productivity
If washer nozzles are mounted at the vehicle in close proximity to the camera lens, then the lens can be cleaned within a short amount of time, but the system requires integration with the existing windshield washer system
Solution Approach 1:
The washer nozzle system is designed to serve multiple purposes: cleaning both the windshield and the camera lens. By utilizing the existing windshield washer infrastructure, the system achieves rapid lens cleaning capability without requiring a separate, complex dedicated washing system for the camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera lens washing function is merged with the existing windshield washer system. This consolidation allows the system to leverage already-installed components (pump, fluid reservoir, control mechanisms) while adding the capability to clean the camera lens, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.
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 clears ice and debris from the camera lens within 30 seconds at -40°C, maintaining camera functionality and reducing production costs by integrating heating and washing systems without altering the camera's design.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element comprises a thin resistive foil or strip that at least partially circumscribes the lens barrel
Data Source
AI summary
A camera for a vehicular vision system includes a housing and a lens barrel including a lens. The camera is configured to be disposed at an exterior portion of a vehicle so as to have a field of view exterior of the vehicle. A heating device is disposed at an exterior of the lens barrel. The heating device includes a thin foil heating element that at least partially circumscribes the lens barrel. The heating device includes an electrical lead that is configured to electrically connect to an electrical connector of the vehicle when the camera is disposed at the exterior portion of the vehicle.