Foldable Heating Device for Imaging Lens Moisture Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat generating devices for imaging systems in vehicles face challenges in saving space and maintaining effective power supply due to the presence of terminals and wires, and they struggle with efficient heat transfer and waterproofing, leading to prolonged removal of moisture and potential waterproofing issues.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sheet-shaped heat generating device with a heating portion, base portion, and connecting portion, where a metal layer is applied to the light transmitting member, allowing for folding to save space and reducing reaction forces, and utilizing a metal film with good thermal conductivity to enhance heat transfer and maintain waterproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sheet-like heat generating body is provided with terminals and wires for power supply, then the heating function is achieved, but the space of the imaging device increases and becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat generating body with the light transmitting member by providing a metal layer on the surface of the light transmitting member and affixing the heating portion directly to it. This integration eliminates the need for separate terminals and wires, achieving the heating function while saving space in the imaging device.
Solution Approach 2:
The light transmitting member serves dual functions: it transmits light to the imaging section and simultaneously acts as a substrate for the heating body. The metal layer on the light transmitting member provides both structural support and thermal conduction, reducing the need for additional components.
2Volume of moving object
If the heat generating device is made flexible and foldable, then space is saved, but the reaction force that tries to undo the folding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat generating device is divided into multiple portions (heating portion, connecting portion, base portion) that can be folded relative to each other. The connecting portion acts as a hinge, allowing the device to be folded into a compact form while managing the mechanical stress through controlled articulation points.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat generating device is constructed as a flexible sheet-shaped member with thin film structures that can be folded. The metal layer on the light transmitting member provides flexibility while maintaining thermal conduction, enabling the device to be folded for compact storage without excessive reaction force.
3Power
If a metal layer is provided on the light transmitting member for heat conduction, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metal layer is integrated directly onto the light transmitting member, combining the optical function of the light transmitting member with the thermal conduction function of the metal layer. This merging approach improves heat transfer efficiency without adding separate components, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
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 enables efficient heat transfer to remove moisture quickly, ensures reliable waterproofing, and allows for compact design by folding the heat generating device, thereby improving visibility and maintaining camera unit integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a heating portion (40A) at which is provided a heating body (42) that heats a light transmitting member (30)
Implementation Method 2
efficient heat transfer to remove moisture quickly
Implementation Method 3
a metal layer is provided at a surface of the light transmitting member (30), the heating portion (40A) is affixed to the metal layer
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A heat generating device 40 has a heating portion 40A at which is provided a heating body 42 that heats a light transmitting member 30 that covers an obverse side of a lens 27 of an imaging section 26; a base portion 40C that is provided at a side surface of a holding member 28 that holds the imaging section 26, and at which is provided a terminal that supplies electric power to the heating body 42; and a connecting portion 40B that connects the heating portion 40A and the base portion 40C and is foldable.