De-icing Window Heat Conduction for Cold Weather Camera Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging devices in cold environments face issues with ice build-up on lenses due to poor thermal conduction properties, leading to inefficient heating and ice formation.
Innovation Solution
A de-icing assembly is integrated into the imaging system, comprising a lens barrel, a camera lens, a de-icing window thermally coupled to the lens barrel, and a heater element that conducts heat to the de-icing window to prevent ice formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating devices are used for lenses with poor thermal conduction properties, then ice build-up can be prevented, but heating efficiency decreases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
A de-icing window made of thermally conductive material is introduced as an intermediary component between the heater element and the lens. This mediator efficiently transfers heat from the heater to the lens surface, preventing ice buildup while reducing the overall energy required compared to heating the entire lens assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of heating the entire lens uniformly, the patent applies heating locally at the de-icing window position where ice buildup is most critical. The heater element is positioned to concentrate thermal energy at this specific location, improving energy efficiency while maintaining effective ice prevention.
2Reliability
If heater elements are integrated into the lens assembly, then ice build-up is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The de-icing window is integrated into the existing lens barrel structure, merging the anti-icing function with the existing mechanical housing. This combination approach prevents ice buildup while avoiding the need for separate, complex heating assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The de-icing window serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective cover for the lens, provides a thermal conduction path from the heater, and serves as the primary surface for preventing ice buildup. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating 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 solution effectively prevents ice build-up on the lenses by ensuring efficient heat transfer, maintaining the functionality of imaging devices in cold conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a heater element thermally conductively coupled to the lens barrel
Implementation Method 2
the de-icing window is thermally conductively coupled to the lens barrel
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure may include an imaging system that includes a de-icing assembly. The de-icing assembly may include a de-icing window and a window frame. The de-icing window may be constructed from Float Zone Silicon, single crystal sapphire, and/or germanium. The de-icing assembly may be coupled to a lens barrel of a camera. Heat generated by a heater element of the camera may be conducted via the housing and the lens barrel of the camera to the de-icing assembly. The heated de-icing assembly may prevent the formation of ice on the de-icing window by conducting heat to the de-icing window.