Vehicle Camera Mirror IR LED Thermal Shutdown Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera mirror systems in vehicles, especially those with infrared light-emitting diodes (IR LEDs), face overheating issues due to heat generation, which can cause malfunctions or damage to circuitry, particularly in rear-facing systems like those on commercial trucks, where cycling IR LEDs on and off may not be desirable.
Innovation Solution
A camera mirror system that includes an IR LED for illuminating the field of view, a temperature sensing mechanism to monitor the IR LED's temperature, and a controller to provide a warning or shut down the IR LED when the temperature exceeds a threshold, ensuring safe operation and preventing overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the IR LED operates continuously to provide night vision illumination, then the illumination function is maintained, but the temperature increases causing overheating and potential damage to circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the temperature of the IR LED and adjusts its operation accordingly. When the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller cycles the IR LED on and off to maintain safe operating temperatures while still providing illumination when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic cycling of the IR LED based on temperature conditions. The controller alternates between turning the IR LED on for illumination and turning it off to cool down, creating a periodic operation pattern that prevents overheating while maintaining night vision capability.
2Temperature
If the IR LED is cycled on and off to manage heat, then the temperature is controlled, but the illumination continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic cycling of the IR LED, alternating between on and off states based on temperature thresholds. This periodic action allows the system to maintain illumination continuity over time while managing peak temperatures through controlled interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the IR LED operation based on real-time temperature conditions. The controller modifies the duty cycle of IR LED operation, increasing illumination time when temperatures are low and reducing it when temperatures rise, creating a dynamic balance between illumination continuity and temperature control.
3Illumination intensity
If the IR LED operates at high power to provide sufficient illumination, then the illumination quality improves, but heat generation increases causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses temperature feedback to regulate IR LED power operation. By monitoring temperature and adjusting the IR LED duty cycle accordingly, the system maintains high illumination quality when safe while preventing heat damage through automatic power reduction when temperature thresholds are exceeded.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the IR LED based on temperature conditions. The controller adjusts the duty cycle percentage to vary the effective power delivery, allowing high power operation for quality illumination when temperatures permit and reduced power operation when temperature management is required.
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 night vision by preventing overheating, maintaining the integrity of the circuitry and avoiding malfunctions while ensuring the IR LEDs operate within safe temperature ranges, thus providing reliable night vision without damaging the system.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared light-emitting diode (IR LED) that is configured to illuminate the field of view
Implementation Method 2
the controller is configured to sense current from the IR LED and infer the temperature based upon the current
Implementation Method 3
IR LED systems generate heat as they consume power. If the heat is not sufficiently dissipated, an overheating condition may occur
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A camera mirror system for a vehicle includes a camera (20) that has a field of view (22), a display (18) in communication with the camera (20) that is configured to depict the field of view (22), and an infrared light-emitting diode (IR LED) (24) that is configured to illuminate the field of view (22). The IR LED (24) is configured to operate at a temperature. The system further includes a controller (28a) that is configured to provide at least one of a warning (32) or an IR LED shut down command in response to the temperature exceeding a threshold.