Vehicle Camera PCB Surface Heating for Frost-Free Optics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems for vehicles face issues with frost or condensation on optical elements due to low temperatures, which can affect image capture and require significant installation space for heating elements.
Innovation Solution
A surface heating system using a heat-conducting conductor path on the circuit board, extending in length and width, provides efficient heat input to the optical element while minimizing space requirements, and includes a thermal barrier to prevent heat transfer to the image sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If discrete heating elements are arranged on the circuit board, then frost or condensation on the optical element can be prevented, but the camera requires a relatively large installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is merged with the circuit board by forming a conductor path directly on the circuit board surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate discrete heating elements, thereby preventing frost or condensation while minimizing the camera's installation space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connections for the image sensor and other components, and simultaneously functions as a heating element through the conductor path. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and installation space in the camera.
2Temperature
If heating elements are arranged at specific positions on the circuit board, then the optical element can be heated, but there is a lack of installation space for other components
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is transitioned from a three-dimensional discrete element to a two-dimensional conductor path on the circuit board surface. This dimensional change allows the heating function to be distributed across the board area without occupying vertical space, thereby maintaining adequate installation space for other components.
3Reliability
If the camera is heated to prevent frost or condensation, then image capture function is maintained, but components subjected to low temperatures suffer material changes and wear out more quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The heating is applied locally to the optical element and its immediate surroundings through the conductor path on the circuit board, rather than heating the entire camera uniformly. This localized heating maintains the image capture function while minimizing thermal exposure to other components, thereby extending their service life.
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 solution effectively prevents frost or condensation on the optical element while maintaining a compact design and ensuring electromagnetic compatibility, thus enhancing camera performance and reducing wear.
Implementation Method 1
The surface heating is made of a heat-conducting material and extends over a certain area of the circuit board
Implementation Method 2
The surface heating is formed by a conductor path. The conductor path may be made of copper material, aluminum or a copper alloy and an aluminum alloy, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A camera (20) for a vehicle, in particular, a commercial vehicle, having a housing (22), at least one optical element (24) arranged in or at the housing (22), and a circuit board (10) with at least one image sensor (16) and a surface heating (17) for heating the optical element (24).