Vehicle Camera Sealing Ring for Focus Stability and FOD Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera sealing methods for motor vehicles fail to provide a robust seal between the lens module and circuit board, leading to potential blurring of images due to compression-induced misalignment and the risk of foreign object debris entering the optical path.
Innovation Solution
An elastic sealing with a predetermined bending point, designed to compress transversely and maintain a consistent distance between the lens module and circuit board, reducing relative movement and preventing debris entry, is implemented. The sealing features a minimal width at the bending point, with wider regions on either side, and is configured as a ring to ensure uniform sealing without corner folding, with optional inclinations and additional bending points for enhanced reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing is applied between the lens module and circuit board, then the optical path area is sealed against environmental conditions and FOD, but the compression may increase the distance between the lens module and circuit board causing image blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastic sealing element (flexible film) that can deform under compression to maintain sealing while accommodating dimensional variations. The sealing is designed with elastic properties allowing it to compress and seal the gap between lens module and circuit board without rigidly fixing the distance, thus preventing both FOD entry and image blurring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the sealing by introducing an elastic material with specific compression characteristics. The sealing is designed to compress by a controlled amount (e.g., 0.1-0.5mm) under assembly force, transforming the rigid distance constraint into a flexible parameter that can adapt during assembly while maintaining both sealing and focus precision.
2Reliability
If compression force is applied to the sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the circuit board may be moved too close to the lens module affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pre-compression design where the elastic sealing is installed with initial tension or pre-loaded springs that provide cushioning force. This beforehand cushioning absorbs the compression force during assembly, preventing excessive force from moving the circuit board while still ensuring adequate sealing pressure is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic sealing acts as an intermediary element between the lens module and circuit board. It mediates the compression force by deforming elastically, transferring just enough force to create the seal while absorbing the excess force that would otherwise move the circuit board and affect positioning precision.
3Reliability
If the sealing is made wider for better sealing, then sealing robustness is improved, but the sealing may fold at corners reducing sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces cornered rectangular sealing geometry with curved or rounded contours. The sealing element features arc-shaped edges and rounded corners instead of sharp angles, preventing stress concentration and folding at corners while maintaining adequate sealing width for robust sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different geometric qualities to different parts of the sealing. The main body of the sealing maintains sufficient width for robust sealing, while the corner regions are locally modified with curved transitions and reduced thickness to prevent folding, creating optimal local geometry for each functional requirement.
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 effectively maintains image quality by ensuring a robust seal and preventing foreign object debris from entering the optical path, reducing the risk of image blurring and enhancing the camera's durability under varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic sealing is arranged between the circuit board and the lens module so that the clearance is sealed by the sealing from a remaining volume space in the housing
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Camera (4) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising a housing (10), wherein by the housing (10) a receiving space (11) is bounded, in which a lens module (12) and a circuit board (13) are arranged which are arranged axially spaced apart from each other in the direction of a longitudinal axis (A) so that between them a clearance (14) is formed. Between the circuit board (13) and the lens module (12) an elastic sealing (15) is arranged so that the clearance (14) is sealed by the sealing (15) from the remaining volume space (16) in the housing (10). The sealing (15) comprises a predetermined bending point (21), at which a width (22) of the sealing (15) transverse to the longitudinal axis (A) is minimal, so that in case of an axial compression the sealing (15) is bent transverse to the longitudinal axis (A) at the predetermined bending point (21).