Partitioned Camera Module With Lens Heating Against Condensation

Solution Overview

Problem

Condensation and frost formation on camera lenses due to temperature fluctuations in vehicles can lead to unsatisfactory image recordings and product failures.

Innovation Solution

A camera module design featuring a housing with a partition wall and a transmission member connected to a heating member, which includes grooves and holes to facilitate heat distribution and prevent condensation, while using a retainer and O-ring to secure lenses and seal the module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the camera module is sealed to prevent contamination, then protection from foreign substances is improved, but condensation and frost formation occur on the lens due to temperature fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from contaminationVSAvoidcondensation and frost formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into separate compartments by partition walls, isolating the lens from the image sensor and other electronic components. This segmentation allows the lens to be exposed to the environment for thermal regulation while keeping internal components sealed and protected from contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A heating member is introduced as an intermediary element between the lens and the sealed housing. This heating device prevents condensation and frost formation on the lens surface by maintaining a controlled temperature, while the lens remains physically separated from the sealed internal components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If the lens is exposed to the environment to prevent condensation, then thermal regulation is improved, but contamination of internal components occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal regulationVSAvoidcontamination protection

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into separate compartments by partition walls, isolating the lens from the image sensor and other electronic components. This segmentation allows the lens to be exposed to the environment for thermal regulation while keeping internal components sealed and protected from contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A heating member is introduced as an intermediary element between the lens and the sealed housing. This heating device prevents condensation and frost formation on the lens surface by maintaining a controlled temperature, while the lens remains physically separated from the sealed internal components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a heating member is added to prevent condensation, then condensation prevention is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecondensation preventionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating member is integrated into the existing housing structure, combining the heating function with the structural framework. The partition walls serve dual purposes: separating components and providing mounting structures for the heating element, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The partition walls in the housing serve multiple functions: they separate the lens from internal components, provide structural support, and serve as mounting structures for the heating member. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design effectively inhibits condensation and frost formation on the lens, ensuring reliable image capture and protecting internal components from contamination.

Implementation Method 1

a heating member arranged on one side of the outermost lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250370214A1Camera module

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

A camera module according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a housing including a body unit and an accommodation unit; an outermost lens arranged on the upper part of the accommodation unit; a substrate coupled to the lower part of the housing; a connector coupled to the lower surface of the substrate; a heating member arranged on one side of the outermost lens; and a transmission member for connecting the heating member and the connector, wherein the substrate includes a first groove formed on the side surface thereof so as to be penetrated by the transmission member, and the housing includes a partition wall extending from the lower surface thereof so as to be coupled to the upper surface of the substrate.