Camera Module Lens Heating With Automatic Waterproof Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera modules require manual activation of heaters and lack waterproofing, necessitating improvements for enhanced functionality and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A camera module with an integrated heating module comprising a temperature sensor, heating element, and control element that automatically activates heating when the temperature drops below a set point, housed within a sealed lens barrel for waterproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual heater activation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The heating module automatically activates and deactivates based on temperature sensor feedback without manual intervention. The control element receives temperature data from the sensor and autonomously controls the heating element, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate the need for user activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor continuously monitors the temperature near the front lens and provides feedback to the control element. This feedback loop enables automatic control of the heating element, adjusting heating based on actual temperature conditions to maintain optimal operating temperature.
2Reliability
If non-waterproof heater is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates in wet environments
Solution Approach 1:
The heating module components (heater, sensor, control element) are nested within the lens barrel, which serves as a protective housing. The lens barrel structure encapsulates the heating components, providing a layered protection system where the housing itself acts as the first level of waterproofing.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing ring made of flexible material is used to create waterproof seals at critical interfaces. The flexible sealing ring can deform to accommodate thermal expansion and assembly tolerances while maintaining waterproof integrity, protecting the heating components from moisture ingress.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If heating module is exposed, then ease of manufacture is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to moisture exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The heating module is integrated with the lens barrel structure, combining the protective housing function with the heating component mounting. This merging eliminates the need for separate waterproof enclosures and simplifies the assembly process, as the lens barrel itself serves as the protective housing for the heating elements.
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
Enables automatic temperature regulation and improved waterproofing, ensuring reliable operation in adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element, in contact with the front lens of the lens module and electrically connected to the control element of the circuit board through the electrical connector
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor, close to the front lens of the lens module and electrically connected to the control element of the circuit board through the electrical connector, in which the temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature close to the front lens
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a lens barrel, a front housing, a circuit board, a lens module and a heating module. The lens barrel has first and second portions. The front housing accommodates the second portion. The circuit board is adjacent to the front housing and has a control element. The lens module is disposed in the lens barrel and has a front lens. The heating module is disposed in the lens barrel. The heating module includes: an electrical connector, disposed in the first portion and covered by the front housing and electrically connected to the control element; a heating element, in contact with the front lens and electrically connected to the control element; and a temperature sensor, close to the front lens and electrically connected to the control element. The temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature close to the front lens.