Conductive Lens Holder Shielding for Vehicle Imager EMI

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle imager modules face challenges in effectively shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and preventing emissions, which can interfere with the operation and communication of the imager circuit.

Innovation Solution

The imager assembly incorporates a conductive lens holder forming a shielded cavity to receive the imager circuit, aligning the optic lens with the imager and preventing EMI emissions, while a conductive housing and lid create a sealed enclosure to protect the module from EMI, dust, and fluids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conductive lens holder forms a shielded cavity to receive the imager circuit, then electromagnetic interference shielding is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference shieldingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lens holder is formed from conductive material and integrated to perform both mechanical support (holding the lens and imager circuit) and electromagnetic shielding functions simultaneously. This merging of structural and shielding roles eliminates the need for separate shielding components, thereby improving EMI protection while avoiding additional device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive lens holder serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the lens and imager circuit, aligns the optical components, and acts as an electromagnetic shield. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address multiple requirements, improving shielding effectiveness without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a conductive housing and lid create a sealed enclosure to protect from EMI, dust, and fluids, then protection against harmful factors is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against EMI, dust, and fluidsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing and lid are designed as integrated conductive structures that simultaneously provide environmental sealing and electromagnetic shielding. By combining these protective functions into the primary structural components rather than adding separate shielding layers or seals, the design achieves enhanced protection without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing and lid utilize conductive materials that provide both structural integrity and electromagnetic shielding properties. This use of composite or multi-functional materials allows a single component to deliver multiple protective functions (structural support, sealing, and EMI shielding), simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to assembling multiple specialized components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 shields the imager circuit from electromagnetic interference, ensuring reliable operation and communication, while providing a flexible and protected imager module for various vehicle applications.

Implementation Method 1

a lens holder formed of a conductive material forming a shielded cavity... the lens holder is configured to shield the imager circuit from electromagnetic interference and prevent emissions from radiating out of the imager circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP3430797B1Camera assembly with shielded imager circuit
Publication Date: 2021.01.27 GENTEX CORP
  • EP3430797B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3430797B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3430797B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An imager assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises an optic lens comprising a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a longitudinal axis extending there between. An imager circuit is in conductive connection with an imager connector. The imager connector is configured to communicatively connect the imager circuit to the vehicle. A lens holder of a conductive material forms a shielded cavity configured to receive the proximal end portion of the optic lens and the imager circuit. The lens holder is configured to align the imager with the longitudinal axis of the optic lens.