Imaging Device Heat Transfer Structure for Lens Thermal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices face challenges in efficiently transferring heat away from heating elements while minimizing heat transfer to the lens unit, which can lead to thermal issues affecting optical performance and dew formation on lens surfaces, especially in vehicles with limited space and extreme temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device incorporates a heat transfer element between the heating element and lens unit, with a heat exchanger plate having a larger contact area with the heat transfer element than with the lens unit, and a second heat exchanger plate surrounding the heating element to enhance heat dissipation and reduce electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If heat is transferred from the heating element to the lens unit to prevent dew formation, then the lens unit is protected from dew, but thermal issues affect optical performance
Solution Approach 1:
A heat transfer element is introduced as an intermediary component between the heating element and the lens unit. This heat transfer element selectively transfers heat to prevent dew formation on the lens surface while controlling the temperature to avoid thermal issues affecting optical performance. The intermediary component enables precise thermal management by mediating the heat transfer process.
2Productivity
If the contact area between heat exchanger plate and lens unit is increased to improve heat transfer, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but heat transfer to lens unit increases causing thermal issues
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger plate is designed with different contact areas for different components: a first contact area with the heat transfer element and a second contact area with the lens unit. By controlling the relative sizes of these contact areas, the system achieves efficient heat transfer from the heating element while limiting direct heat transfer to the lens unit, thus resolving the contradiction between heat transfer efficiency and thermal management.
3Volume of moving object
If space is reduced for compact imaging device, then device size is reduced, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer element and heat exchanger plate are integrated into the existing structure of the imaging device, with components nested within each other. The heat transfer element is positioned between the heating element and lens unit, while the heat exchanger plate is integrated into the lens unit structure. This nested arrangement enables effective heat dissipation pathways to be incorporated within the compact device volume without increasing overall device size.
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 configuration effectively transfers heat away from the lens unit, maintaining optical performance and preventing dew formation, even in high-temperature environments, while optimizing space utilization and electromagnetic compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
The heat transfer element is interposed between the heating element and the lens unit and is configured to receive heat transferred from the heating element
Implementation Method 2
A second heat exchanger plate surrounding the heating element to enhance heat dissipation
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging element includes a heating element, a lens unit, a heat transfer element, and a first heat exchanger plate. The heat transfer element is interposed between the heating element and the lens unit. Heat is transferred from the heating element to the heat transfer element. The first heat exchanger plate is interposed between the lens unit and the heat transfer element. The first heat exchanger plate includes a first main surface in contact with the heat transfer element and a second main surface in contact with the lens unit. A first contact area between the first heat exchanger plate and the heat transfer element is larger than a second contact area between the first heat exchanger plate and the lens unit.