Heated Lens Assembly for Cold-Weather Optical Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules in vehicles are prone to malfunction due to low temperatures, causing damage or functional failure, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
The optical mechanism includes a frame, a lens unit, a circuit unit, an optical sensor, and a heating unit with a heating portion embedded in the lens unit and a conductive portion connected to the circuit unit, ensuring the optical lens operates within an appropriate temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera module is used in low temperature environments, then the vehicle can operate in cold climates, but the optical mechanism may suffer from fogging and functional failure
Solution Approach 1:
The heating unit changes the temperature parameter of the optical lens by applying heat to prevent condensation and fogging in low temperature environments, thereby maintaining optical clarity and device functionality across a wider temperature range
Solution Approach 2:
The heating unit proactively counteracts the harmful effect of low temperature by pre-heating or maintaining the optical lens at an appropriate temperature, preventing fogging before it occurs and ensuring reliable operation in cold climates
2Reliability
If the heating unit is integrated into the lens unit, then the optical lens can be effectively heated, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The heating unit is merged with the lens unit by embedding the heating portion within the lens unit structure, creating an integrated assembly that reduces the number of separate components while maintaining effective heating functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The lens unit serves multiple functions: optical focusing and heating. By integrating the heating portion into the lens unit, the same structural assembly performs both optical and thermal management functions, reducing overall device complexity
3Reliability
If the conductive portion extends along the sidewall of the lens unit, then electrical connection is achieved, but the conductive portion may be exposed to short-circuiting risks
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive portion is nested within the hollow structure of the frame, which provides physical protection and insulation. This nested arrangement allows the conductive portion to extend along the sidewall for electrical connection while being shielded from external environmental factors that could cause short-circuiting
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 optical mechanism maintains the optical lens within an appropriate temperature range, preventing fogging and enhancing safety and reliability by protecting the conductive portions from short-circuiting or damage.
Implementation Method 1
the heating unit has a heating portion H1 and a conductive portion H2 connected to each other, wherein the heating portion H1 is embedded in the lens unit L
Implementation Method 2
the conductive portion H2 extends along a sidewall L0 of the lens unit L in the direction parallel to the optical axis O
Implementation Method 3
the conductive portion is affixed to the circuit unit by laser welding
Data Source
AI summary
An optical mechanism is provided, including a frame, a lens unit disposed in the frame, a circuit unit affixed to the frame, an optical sensor disposed on the circuit unit, and a heating unit. The heating unit has a heating portion and a conductive portion connected to each other, wherein the heating portion is embedded in the lens unit, and the conductive portion is electrically connected to the circuit unit and extends along a sidewall of the lens unit.