Forward Camera Module Cooling Fan for Windshield Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle vision systems with windshield-mounted forward viewing cameras face challenges with heat dissipation, as excessive temperatures can degrade image quality and reduce the operational lifespan of camera components.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a cooling fan assembly within the camera module to forcibly direct cooling air over critical components, enhancing heat dissipation and maintaining optimal operating temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat dissipating fins are used to dissipate heat from the camera, then heat dissipation is improved, but the cooling effectiveness is insufficient under high operating temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic cooling by introducing a cooling fan that forces air flow through the camera module housing and over heat-generating components. This active fluid-based cooling system supplements the passive heat dissipating fins, enabling more effective heat removal when operating temperatures become excessive and preventing image quality degradation.
2Temperature
If a cooling fan assembly is integrated into the camera module, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fan assembly is merged with the camera module housing to form an integrated thermal management system. The fan, housing, and heat dissipating fins work together as a unified structure, where the housing serves both protective and thermal management functions. This integration reduces the need for separate cooling components and simplifies overall system architecture.
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 integrated cooling fan assembly effectively manages heat generated by the camera and associated electronics, ensuring sustained image quality and extended component lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fan assembly integrated in the camera module to force cooling air over one or more critical components of the camera module
Implementation Method 2
force cooling air over one or more critical components of the camera module to enhance cooling of the camera module during operation
Data Source
AI summary
A windshield electronics module disposed at a vehicle includes a camera module having a camera housing that accommodates a camera and circuitry. The camera housing includes lower heat dissipating fins and rear heat dissipating fins. A cooling fan assembly is mounted at a lower portion of the camera housing. The cooling fan assembly draws air from an interior cabin of the vehicle via an air intake of the vehicular windshield electronics module and directs the drawn air as airflow (i) in a radial direction with respect to an axis of rotation of the fan blades, and (ii) in an axial direction with respect to the axis of rotation of the fan blades. The cooling fan assembly directs the drawn air as airflow (i) in the radial direction along and between the lower heat dissipating fins, and (ii) in the axial direction along and between the rear heat dissipating fins.