Image Capture Device Thermal Architecture and Heatsink Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
As image capture devices become more advanced with added components and processing power, they generate increased thermal loads, leading to potential component damage and thermal shutdowns, necessitating improved thermal management to extend usage and prevent overheating.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a thermal architecture that includes heatsinks and heat spreaders, which are in thermal communication with heat generating devices and batteries, to effectively manage and dissipate thermal energy, preventing overheating and extending device runtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If faster components and additional functionality are added to the camera, then image quality and functionality are improved, but thermal load increases causing component damage and thermal shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management system is segmented into multiple independent heatsinks (first heatsink, second heatsink, third heatsink) positioned at different locations within the camera body. Each heatsink manages thermal loads from specific heat-generating components, allowing localized heat dissipation without interfering with other components. This segmentation enables the system to handle higher thermal loads from advanced components while maintaining overall thermal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Heat pipes are used as intermediary thermal transfer mechanisms between heat-generating components and heatsinks. The heat pipes conduct thermal energy from processors, image sensors, and other hot components to the heatsinks, where the heat is dissipated to the environment. This intermediary system efficiently manages thermal loads without requiring direct thermal contact between all components and heatsinks, enabling better thermal control for high-performance components.
2Reliability
If the camera is sealed for water resistance, then durability and usability are improved, but heat dissipation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heatsinks are nested within the sealed camera body structure. The first heatsink is positioned in the lens barrel, the second heatsink is integrated into the camera body, and the third heatsink is located on the rear side. This nested arrangement allows effective heat dissipation surfaces to be contained within the water-resistant sealed structure, maintaining both IPX7 water resistance and efficient thermal management without requiring external venting.
Solution Approach 2:
Heat dissipation is achieved by utilizing multiple spatial dimensions and surfaces within the sealed camera body. Instead of relying on a single external heatsink, the system uses heatsinks distributed across different dimensions (lens barrel, body interior, rear surface) to create multiple thermal pathways. This multi-dimensional approach to heat dissipation maintains the sealed structure while providing sufficient thermal management capacity.
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
This solution effectively balances and dissipates thermal energy within the image capture device, preventing component damage and thermal shutdowns, thereby extending the device's operational time and ensuring stable performance.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor heat spreader is in thermal communication with one or more of the heat generating devices and extends from the one or more of the heat generating devices to the one or more batteries so that all or a portion of the thermal load is transferred to the one or more batteries
Implementation Method 2
The rear heatsink in thermal contact with one or more of the heat generating devices heat generating devices and in thermal contact with ambient conditions surrounding the image capture device so that some or all of the thermal load is transferred from the one or more of the heat generating devices through the rear heatsink and into the ambient conditions surrounding the image capture device
Implementation Method 3
The rear heatsink is in thermal contact with ambient conditions surrounding the image capture device so that some or all of the thermal load is transferred from the one or more of the heat generating devices through the rear heatsink and into the ambient conditions surrounding the image capture device
Implementation Method 4
The heat generating devices generate a thermal load and the thermal load is transferred to the front heatsink, the rear heatsink, or both
Implementation Method 5
A front heat spreader in thermal communication with the heat generating device and extending from the heat generating device located adjacent to the rear side toward the front side so that all or a portion of the thermal load is transferred from the rear side toward the front side
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture device including: heat generating devices, one or more batteries, and a sensor heat spreader. The heat generating devices generate a thermal load. The sensor heat spreader is in thermal communication with one or more of the heat generating devices and extends from the one or more of the heat generating devices to the one or more batteries so that all or a portion of the thermal load is transferred to the one or more batteries.