Heated Camera Lens Structure for Fast Defrost Without Image Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera modules face issues with frost or moisture accumulation under cold climates, requiring separate heating means that can distort images due to thick conductive material coatings and limited resistance adjustment, necessitating external power supply connections.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design with a conductive part in the form of a strip that electrically connects a heating layer to a PCB, incorporating a heating wire with a pattern to enhance heating efficiency and reduce distortion by allowing rapid heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a thick conductive material coating is applied to increase heat generation effect, then heating efficiency is improved, but image distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive material is segmented into a grid pattern rather than applied as a thick uniform coating. This segmentation allows the heating function to be distributed across multiple thin conductive elements, reducing overall thickness while maintaining heat generation capability and preventing image distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive material is applied with varying local properties - the grid pattern creates regions of different conductivity and thickness distribution. This local quality variation optimizes heat generation in specific areas while maintaining thin overall profile to avoid distorting captured images.
2Power
If resistance is increased to enhance heat generation under same voltage/current, then heating efficiency is improved, but coated thickness must be increased which causes image distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive coating is divided into a grid pattern of thin lines rather than a solid thick layer. This segmentation increases effective resistance per unit area while keeping individual line thickness minimal, achieving high heat generation without the thickness-related image distortion problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element uses a composite structure combining the conductive grid material with the lens substrate. This composite approach allows optimization of electrical resistance for heating while maintaining optical clarity and minimal thickness to prevent image distortion.
3Power
If external power supply is used to supply current to conductive material, then heating function is achieved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply connections are merged with the lens assembly structure itself. The conductive grid is integrated directly into the lens or mounted on its surface, eliminating the need for separate external power connection structures and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens assembly serves multiple functions - optical focusing and integrated heating. By combining the heating function within the existing lens structure, the system eliminates dedicated power connection components, achieving multi-functionality while reducing structural 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 design stabilizes the connection between the heating layer and PCB, reduces heating time, increases heating efficiency, and prevents image distortion by avoiding thick coatings, thus maintaining camera functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a heating wire, which is positioned on the surface of the lens or of the heating layer, which generates heat when a current is supplied thereto from an external power supply
Implementation Method 2
a heating layer positioned on the lens so as to generate heat when power is supplied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a camera module, and the present invention may comprise: a lens; a heating layer positioned on the lens so as to generate heat when power is supplied thereto; and a heating wire, which is positioned on the surface of the lens or of the heating layer, which generates heat when a current is supplied thereto from an external power supply, and which is electrically connected to the heating layer. The present invention comprises a heating wire, besides the heating layer that comprises a conductive material, and thus can reduce the time taken to supply a heating body with a current, and the reduced heating time accordingly enables rapid heating.