Driver Assist Camera Thermal Management via Windshield Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
DAS cameras and their associated electronic components generate substantial heat, which needs to be dissipated to prevent thermal damage, while maintaining a compact size to minimize interference with the vehicle's windshield view.
Innovation Solution
A thermally conductive body is movably mounted on a bracket attached to the vehicle's windshield, allowing the DAS camera housing to press against the windshield for heat dissipation, leveraging the larger surface area and mass of the windshield for efficient heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the DAS camera and electronic components are made compact, then interference with sight lines through the windshield is reduced, but heat dissipation becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the windshield surface as a two-dimensional heat dissipation interface, transitioning from three-dimensional heat dissipation structures to a two-dimensional surface-based solution. The thermally conductive body transfers heat to the windshield, which then dissipates heat across its large surface area, effectively solving the heat dissipation problem while maintaining compact camera housing dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermally conductive body as an intermediary between the camera housing and the windshield. This intermediary component facilitates efficient heat transfer from the compact camera housing to the large thermal mass of the windshield, resolving the contradiction between compact size and heat dissipation capability.
2Productivity
If multiple electronic components are mounted adjacent to the DAS camera, then information processing capability is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of heat generation from multiple electronic components into a manageable thermal load by utilizing the windshield's large thermal mass and surface area. The windshield acts as a heat sink, absorbing and dissipating the heat generated by the electronic components, thereby enabling high-performance processing while maintaining thermal safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The windshield serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, maintains vehicle aesthetics, and acts as a thermal management system. By utilizing the windshield's existing large surface area and thermal mass for heat dissipation, the patent enables multiple electronic components to be mounted without requiring additional cooling infrastructure.
3Area of moving object
If the DAS camera is mounted close to the windshield, then field of view is optimized, but heat dissipation path is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat dissipation function from the camera housing itself and transfers it to the windshield. By separating the heat dissipation path from the camera housing dimensions, the system can maintain a compact camera mounted close to the windshield for optimal field of view while utilizing the windshield's extensive surface area for effective heat dissipation.
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
Effectively moderates the environment of the DAS camera by conducting heat away from the camera and electronic components, preventing thermal damage while maintaining an unobstructed view and minimizing the camera's size.
Implementation Method 1
A thermally conductive body is movably mounted on the bracket. The housing when being received in the bracket contacts and moves the thermally conductive body relative to the bracket so as to press the thermally conductive body against the window and permit heat from the housing to be conducted to the window
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for moderating the environment of a driver assist camera comprises (a) a housing in which the driver assist camera is mountable and (b) a bracket configured and dimensioned to receive and retain the housing. The bracket when installed in a vehicle is attached to a window of the vehicle. A thermally conductive body is movably mounted on the bracket. The housing when being received in the bracket contacts and moves the thermally conductive body relative to the bracket so as to press the thermally conductive body against the window and permit heat from the housing to be conducted to the window, thereby moderating the environment of the driver assist camera when mounted in the housing.