Vehicle Camera Lens Spacer Grooves for Thermal Optical Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera modules for vehicles are prone to changes in optical characteristics due to humidity and temperature, leading to lens deformation and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design featuring a spacer with grooves on its upper and lower surfaces to act as a buffer structure between lenses, alleviating thermal expansion and contraction, thereby maintaining optical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera module is installed on a vehicle to capture images for autonomous driving, then the safety and convenience of the user are improved, but the camera module is exposed to high-temperature environments that can deteriorate image quality and cause condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the first housing containing the image sensor is placed inside a second housing, which in turn is inside a third housing. This multi-layer nesting provides progressive thermal isolation and protection, allowing the inner components to be shielded from the high-temperature external environment while maintaining functional performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary thermal management components including thermal insulation layers between housing layers, heat dissipation fins, and condensation prevention layers. These intermediaries act as buffers between the image sensor and the high-temperature environment, mediating thermal transfer to prevent both overheating and condensation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera module operates in high-temperature environments, then vehicle autonomous driving functionality is maintained, but condensation may occur on the image sensor reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a condensation prevention layer as an intermediary between the image sensor and the external environment. This layer acts as a barrier that prevents moisture condensation on the image sensor surface, thereby maintaining measurement precision and image quality even when the camera operates in high-temperature environments
Solution Approach 2:
The nested housing structure creates multiple isolated chambers that prevent external moisture and condensation from reaching the image sensor. The innermost housing containing the image sensor is protected by intermediate housing layers, forming a protective barrier against environmental humidity and temperature-induced condensation
3Reliability
If the camera module is designed with protective structures for high-temperature environments, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a nested housing architecture where multiple housing layers are concentrically arranged. This nesting approach consolidates multiple protective functions (thermal insulation, condensation prevention, mechanical protection) into a compact multi-layer structure, achieving high reliability without excessive complexity compared to separate protective components
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 buffer structure in the spacer suppresses changes in optical characteristics and deformation of lenses, enhancing the reliability and performance of the camera module under varying ambient conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal insulation layer, and a condensation prevention layer that are provided between the image sensor and the external environment in this order from the image sensor toward the external environment
Data Source
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AI summary
The camera module disclosed in the embodiment of the invention includes a lens holder; a plurality of lenses disposed within the lens holder; a spacer disposed between at least one of the plurality of lenses and the lens holder, at least one groove may be disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the spacer.