Heating Lens Insulation Structure for Stable Optical Spacing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current heating lenses face inefficiencies in heating the front lens due to heat absorption by the metal lens barrel, leading to thermal expansion and altered spacing between internal lenses, which causes image resolution issues.

Innovation Solution

A heating lens design incorporating a heat-insulating block that surrounds the heating device, concentrating heat on the front lens while preventing heat transfer to the lens barrel, thereby maintaining the predetermined spacing between internal lenses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a heating device is used to heat the front lens, then defrosting/defogging/deicing efficiency is improved, but heat is absorbed by the metal lens barrel causing thermal expansion and image resolution issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefrosting/defogging/deicing efficiencyVSAvoidimage resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a heat insulating block as an intermediary substance between the heating device and the lens barrel. This heat insulating block selectively blocks heat transfer to the lens barrel while allowing the heating device to effectively heat the front lens surface, thus resolving the contradiction between heating efficiency and image resolution maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If heat is applied to the front lens, then heating efficiency is improved, but the lens barrel absorbs heat causing thermal expansion and altered spacing between internal lenses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefront lens heating temperatureVSAvoidspacing between internal lenses
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The heat insulating block serves as a thermal barrier that mediates heat distribution. It allows the front lens to reach the necessary temperature for defrosting/defogging/deicing while preventing heat from reaching the lens barrel, thereby maintaining the predetermined spacing between internal lenses and avoiding thermal expansion issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating a localized heating zone around the front lens using the heat insulating block. This ensures that heat is concentrated where needed (on the front lens surface) while other areas (the lens barrel and internal lens spacing) remain thermally isolated, maintaining their original dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enhances defrosting, defogging, and deicing efficiency of the front lens while preserving image resolution by isolating heat from the lens barrel, preventing thermal expansion and maintaining lens spacing.

Implementation Method 1

a heat-insulating block that surrounds the heating device, concentrating heat on the front lens while preventing heat transfer to the lens barrel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

heating device includes an annular heating plate disposed on the annular bottom wall of the lens and a wire portion connected to the annular heating plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4657130A1Heating lens with thermal-insulation mechanism
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 ETERGE OPTO ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4657130A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4657130A1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4657130A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A heating lens comprises a lens barrel, a lens, a heating device, and a heat-insulating block. The heat-insulating block is an integrally formed member and is located between the cylinder of the lens barrel and the lens. The heat-insulating block further includes an annular heat-insulating base located at the cylinder, an annular heat-insulating wall standing on the annular heat-insulating base, an annular heat-insulating upper flange standing on the annular heat-insulating base and positioned opposite to the annular heat-insulating wall, and an annular slot formed between the annular heat-insulating wall and the annular heat-insulating upper flange. The annular heat-insulating wall is in contact with the lens. The annular slot accommodates the annular heating plate.