Vehicular Camera Module Spring-Loaded Pins Thermal Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle vision systems using cameras struggle with efficient thermal management and reliable electrical connections, which can impact the performance and durability of the imaging system.
Innovation Solution
The camera module incorporates a housing with a printed circuit board and a lens assembly, featuring a rear cover with spring-loaded pins for electrical connection and thermal interface materials for enhanced heat transfer, allowing for improved thermal management and robust electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional camera modules use screw-based electrical connections, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-based mechanical connection system with a spring-loaded pin mechanism. The spring-loaded pins automatically engage with corresponding holes in the circuit board, providing reliable electrical connections without requiring screws or complex assembly tools. This substitution maintains connection reliability while dramatically simplifying the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pins are designed to automatically engage with the circuit board holes when the rear cover is installed. The spring mechanism provides self-aligning and self-latching functionality, where the pins automatically make contact and secure themselves without requiring manual intervention or additional fastening steps. This self-service mechanism reduces assembly complexity while ensuring reliable electrical connections.
2Reliability
If camera modules lack thermal management features, then device complexity is reduced, but component temperatures increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the rear cover component: it serves as both the protective enclosure closure and the thermal management interface. The rear cover includes integrated heat dissipation features and thermal interface material contact surfaces that directly interface with heat-generating components. By merging the structural and thermal management functions into a single component, the system achieves effective thermal management without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear cover is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides: (1) protective enclosure closure, (2) electrical connection interface via spring-loaded pins, and (3) thermal management via integrated heat dissipation features and thermal interface material contact surfaces. This multi-functionality allows the single component to address multiple system requirements without requiring separate dedicated parts for each function.
3Reliability
If camera modules use traditional electrical connection methods, then connection stability is improved, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional screw-based electrical connection methods with spring-loaded pins that automatically engage with circuit board holes. This substitution eliminates the need for screwdrivers, alignment adjustments, and multiple fastening steps, thereby dramatically improving assembly efficiency. The spring-loaded mechanism maintains connection stability through its self-latching design while enabling rapid installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded pins perform self-alignment and self-securing functions during assembly. When the rear cover is installed, the pins automatically locate and engage with the corresponding holes in the circuit board, making contact without requiring manual positioning or additional fastening operations. This self-service capability significantly reduces assembly time and improves manufacturing efficiency while maintaining stable electrical connections.
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
This configuration enhances the camera's thermal efficiency and reliability, ensuring stable operation and reduced component temperatures, while eliminating the need for screws and improving assembly ease.
Implementation Method 1
The rear cover includes spring-loaded pins for electrical connection
Implementation Method 2
thermal interface materials for enhanced heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular camera module includes a front housing, a printed circuit board housed by the front housing, an imager at the printed circuit board, a rear housing joined with the front housing, and a coaxial connecting element. With the rear housing joined with the front housing, an inward-extending portion of the coaxial connecting element extends inward of the rear housing towards the front housing and electrically connects with circuitry at the printed circuit board. With the rear housing joined with the front housing, a plurality of spring tabs make electrical connection between the circuitry at the printed circuit board and the rear housing. An outward-extending portion of the coaxial connecting element is configured for coaxial electrical connection to a vehicle connector.