Camera Module Thermal Lens Heating for Frost Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules are prone to resolution deterioration and field of view obstruction due to external environmental factors such as frost, dew, or foreign materials attached to the foremost lens, which affect the camera's performance in exposed environments.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design featuring a second lens barrel with higher thermal conductivity than the first lens barrel and barrel holder, equipped with an energy generating unit to supply thermal energy, and airtight members to prevent external interference, which uses thermal energy to remove foreign materials from the front lens or protective glass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the camera module is exposed externally to capture images, then the field of view and resolution can be maintained, but foreign materials such as frost, dew, or dust may attach to the foremost lens, deteriorating resolution and obstructing the field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the temperature of the front lens through a heating element. By changing the temperature parameter of the lens surface, the system prevents foreign materials like frost and dew from attaching, thereby maintaining optical performance in external environments without requiring physical barriers that would obstruct the field of view
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element provides preliminary anti-action by maintaining the front lens surface above the dew point temperature before foreign materials can condense or attach. This preventive thermal action stops the formation of harmful condensates and frost, ensuring the lens remains clear without needing post-formation cleaning mechanisms
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective structure is added to prevent foreign materials on the lens, then the lens can be protected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element serves multiple functions: it prevents condensation and frost formation, maintains lens temperature for optimal optical performance, and can potentially defrost accumulated materials. This multi-functionality protects the lens from foreign materials without requiring separate protective structures, thereby avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical protective structures (such as covers or shields that would physically block foreign materials) with a thermal field approach. The heating element creates a thermal environment that prevents foreign material attachment, substituting a mechanical protection system with a simpler thermal control system
3Object-affected harmful factors
If thermal energy is supplied to the front lens to remove foreign materials, then the lens remains clear, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element provides partial action by supplying thermal energy only to the front lens surface area where foreign materials may attach, rather than heating the entire camera module. This localized heating approach effectively removes and prevents foreign materials while minimizing overall energy consumption compared to full-system heating
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 camera module effectively maintains the front lens or protective glass in a clear state, reducing blurred vision and image distortion caused by frost or raindrops, thereby enhancing the camera's performance and reliability in external environments.
Implementation Method 1
a second lens barrel coupled to the first lens barrel and configured to support a front lens disposed on an object side of the one or more lens groups, an energy generating unit configured to contact the second lens barrel and configured to supply thermal energy to the second lens barrel
Implementation Method 2
The second lens barrel may be formed of a material having a thermal conductivity higher than a thermal conductivity of the first lens barrel
Data Source
AI summary
A camera module includes a first lens barrel configured to receive one or more lens groups, a second lens barrel coupled to the first lens barrel and configured to support a front lens disposed on an object side of the one or more lens groups, an energy generating unit configured to contact the second lens barrel and configured to supply thermal energy to the second lens barrel, and a barrel holder coupled to the first lens barrel and configured to accommodate the energy generating unit.