Camera Mirror IR LED Thermal Control for Night Vision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera mirror systems with night vision using infrared light-emitting diodes (IR LEDs) face overheating issues due to heat generation, which can damage circuitry and cause malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

A camera mirror system with a night vision assembly that includes an IR LED secured to a metallic housing and carrier, with a temperature sensor and controller to manage IR LED operation and prevent overheating, and a metallic mounting bracket for conductive heat dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the IR LED is operated continuously to provide night vision, then the illumination function is maintained, but heat accumulates causing overheating and potential damage to circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation durationVSAvoidIR LED temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful heat generated by the IR LED into a beneficial cooling effect by using the heat-generating component itself as part of the thermal management system. The IR LED is mounted on a metallic carrier that is integrated with the metallic housing, creating a thermal pathway where the heat is conducted away from the LED junction through the metallic structures to designated heat dissipation areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces metallic carriers and metallic housings as intermediary thermal conduction paths between the IR LED and the external environment. These metallic components serve as heat transfer mediators, conducting heat from the IR LED junction through the carrier and housing to areas where it can be dissipated, preventing direct heat accumulation at the LED.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If the IR LED is operated at high power to improve night vision quality, then the illumination intensity increases, but heat generation increases causing overheating risks

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIR illumination intensityVSAvoidheat damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful heat generated by high-power IR LED operation into a manageable thermal flow by integrating the LED with metallic carrier and housing structures. The heat that would otherwise damage circuitry is instead channeled through the metallic components to designated dissipation areas, allowing high-power operation without excessive temperature rise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a self-service thermal management approach where the metallic carrier and housing automatically conduct and dissipate heat from the IR LED without requiring external active cooling systems. The structural components themselves provide the thermal management function, eliminating the need for separate cooling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Temperature

If a metallic housing and carrier are used to dissipate heat, then heat dissipation improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidmetallic housing and carrier structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the structural support function with the thermal management function by using metallic carrier and housing components that simultaneously provide mechanical support and heat dissipation. The metallic structures serve dual purposes: holding the IR LED in position and conducting heat away from it, thereby reducing the need for separate cooling components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality in the metallic carrier and housing components, which serve both as structural elements and as thermal management elements. These components perform multiple functions: mechanical support, electrical grounding, and heat conduction, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the use of metallic structures.

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 system effectively manages heat dissipation and prevents overheating, ensuring the integrity of the circuitry and preventing malfunctions while maintaining night vision functionality.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4273003B1Replacement mirror system with IR LED overheating management

Publication Date: 2025.04.30 ORLACO PRODS

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AI summary

A camera mirror system for a vehicle includes, among other things, a camera that has a field of view, a display in communication with the camera that is configured to depict the field of view, and an infrared light-emitting diode (IR LED) that is configured to illuminate the field of view. The IR LED is configured to operate at a temperature. The system further includes a controller that is configured to provide at least one of a warning or an IR LED shut down command in response to the temperature exceeding a threshold.