Vehicle Camera Unit Recessed Lens Light Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle-mounted cameras are prone to issues due to lens placement near the distal end of the camera casing, making them susceptible to vibrations and external light interference, which can lead to design limitations and image quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A camera unit design with a recessed lens arrangement where the first wall portion, featuring projections with specific surface orientations, is positioned closer to the subject than the lens, preventing external light from entering the lens and image capturing element by directing reflected light away from the optical axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the lens is positioned in the vicinity of a distal end on the subject side of the camera casing, then the camera structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the camera becomes more susceptible to vibrations and external light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a recess structure that extends in the depth dimension (optical axis direction) of the camera casing. By positioning the lens at the bottom of this recess rather than at the distal end of the casing, the design utilizes the third dimension (depth) to separate the lens from external light sources and vibration-prone areas, thereby improving reliability without complicating the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The recess structure acts as an intermediary element between the lens and the external environment. This intermediate structure provides protection against vibrations and blocks external light from directly reaching the lens, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability by introducing a simple geometric feature rather than complex components
2Device complexity
If the lens is positioned in the vicinity of a distal end on the subject side of the camera casing, then the camera structure is simpler, but the camera is more influenced by vehicle vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The recess structure utilizes the depth dimension of the camera casing to reposition the lens away from the distal end. This dimensional approach reduces device complexity by using a simple geometric modification rather than adding complex stabilization mechanisms, while simultaneously improving stability by protecting the lens from vibration effects
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the first wall portion is inclined downwardly to prevent reflected sunlight entry, then external light interference is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the first wall portion should be inclined at an angle of 45 degrees or more relative to the optical axis. By defining a specific parameter range (inclination angle), the design effectively blocks reflected sunlight while maintaining manufacturability. This parameter-based approach resolves the contradiction by providing clear manufacturing guidelines that balance light protection requirements with manufacturing precision capabilities
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 design effectively reduces the entry of reflected light into the camera unit, enhancing image quality and stability by positioning the lens away from the camera casing's distal end, thus mitigating the impact of vibrations and external light interference.
Implementation Method 1
reflected light (including scattered light) made up from external light such as sunlight or the like can be prevented from entering the lens and the image capturing element
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a camera unit, a vehicle, and a method for manufacturing the camera unit. The first wall part of a housing for the camera unit extends parallel to an optical axis or in a slanted manner so as to gradually draw away from the optical axis in the direction from a lens toward a subject. A plurality of projections is disposed on the first wall part in alignment with the optical axis direction. The plurality of projections each have a first surface made up of a flat or curved surface in which the lens side is nearer to the optical axis than the subject side, and a second surface made up of a flat or curved surface in which the lens side is further away from the optical axis than the subject side, or made up of a flat surface parallel to the optical axis.