Vehicle Camera Optics Thermal Coupling via Ventilation Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external camera systems for vehicles face reliability issues due to extreme weather conditions, leading to malfunctions in both hot and cold temperatures, and are costly to maintain for ambient temperature differences.
Innovation Solution
An external camera device with a flow channel in the camera holder guides a heat-transport fluid to thermally couple the camera optics and optical window, using the vehicle's air-conditioning system to maintain a comfortable temperature, preventing condensation and ensuring all components are at the same temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If camera systems are designed for large ambient temperature differences, then reliability under extreme weather conditions is improved, but system cost increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera housing with the vehicle's existing air-conditioning ventilation system by integrating a flow channel directly into the camera holder. This allows the camera optics to be cooled by the same air stream that cools the vehicle interior, eliminating the need for a separate temperature control system and reducing overall system cost while maintaining reliability under extreme weather conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The air-conditioning system serves a dual function: it cools the vehicle interior and simultaneously cools the camera optics through the integrated flow channel. This multi-functionality approach allows the camera system to benefit from the vehicle's existing temperature control infrastructure, avoiding additional cost while ensuring reliable operation in hot weather
2Object-affected harmful factors
If camera optics are cooled by heat-transport fluid, then condensation and ice buildup on optical window are prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling function into the existing air-conditioning system by integrating a flow channel into the camera holder. The air stream from the air-conditioning system flows through this channel to cool the camera optics, preventing condensation and ice buildup without requiring a separate cooling system
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system utilizes the vehicle's existing air-conditioning system to provide cooling, rather than requiring its own independent cooling mechanism. The air stream that serves the vehicle interior also serves to cool the camera optics, allowing the camera system to benefit from the vehicle's existing infrastructure
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 solution increases the reliability of the camera system without excessive cost by maintaining optimal temperatures for the camera optics and electronics, reducing the risk of malfunctions and condensation issues across various weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The camera optics are brought to the proper temperature by the heat-transport fluid by means of thermal coupling. Water drops, frost and ice on the outside of the optical window are thereby removed.
Implementation Method 2
By means of this stream of air or heat-transport fluid, the camera optics and the optical window are brought to the temperature of the heat-transport fluid or of the stream of air from the air-conditioning system of the vehicle.
Data Source
AI summary
An external camera device for a motor vehicle prevents condensation on the camera optics by thermally coupling the optics to an air stream from the vehicle's ventilation system. The camera optics are disposed adjacent to an optical window in a camera holder that is attached to an outer surface of the motor vehicle. A flow channel guides the air stream through the camera holder. An inlet of the flow channel is connected to the ventilation system, and the flow channel is thermally coupled to the camera optics. The device is mounted onto the vehicle through a mounting surface of the camera holder. The inlet of the flow channel passes through the mounting surface. The outlet of the flow channel can either pass through the mounting surface or exit adjacent to the optical window, in which case a fluid-guide element guides the air stream from the outlet towards the optical window.