Imaging Module Housing Structure for Compact Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional imaging devices face challenges in being compact due to larger outer dimensions and suffer from heat dissipation issues, as higher performance leads to increased energy consumption and heat generation, making it difficult to implement effective cooling methods without compromising device size or heat dissipation performance.

Innovation Solution

The imaging device features a board section with a first and second housing section that sandwich the board, using attachment members to fix the board, allowing for compact size while improving heat dissipation through metal components with excellent heat dissipation properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the board section is fixed inside a housing of the imaging device, then the imaging device can be made compact, but the heat dissipation performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidheat dissipation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the housing structure with heat dissipation functionality by making the first and second housing sections themselves serve as heat dissipation paths. The housing sections are configured to contact the board section, creating a integrated structure that provides both mechanical support and thermal management without requiring separate cooling components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing sections perform multiple functions: they mechanically fix the board section and simultaneously serve as heat dissipation paths. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated heat dissipation components, achieving both compact size and effective thermal management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If forced cooling such as heat dissipation fan is used, then heat dissipation performance is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation performanceVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the heat dissipation function from separate cooling components (like fans or heat sinks) and integrates it directly into the housing structure. This eliminates the need for additional cooling components, maintaining compact device size while achieving effective heat dissipation through the housing sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Temperature

If heat transfer plate is used for heat dissipation, then heat dissipation performance is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation performanceVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding a separate heat transfer plate, the patent merges the heat dissipation function into the existing housing sections. The first and second housing sections are configured to contact the board section and serve as heat dissipation paths, eliminating the need for additional heat transfer components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 allows the imaging device to be made small while maintaining effective heat dissipation, as the board is fixed between housing sections with excellent heat dissipation properties, reducing the need for additional cooling components and maintaining performance.

Implementation Method 1

it is effective to perform heat dissipation using heat conduction via a heat transfer plate or the like

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3171216B1Imaging device
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 FUJI CORP
  • EP3171216B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3171216B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3171216B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is an imaging device 10, that can be made compact. Imaging device 10 includes board section 12 on which imaging element is loaded, first housing section 13 for fixing board section 12 from a surface on which imaging element 17 is loaded; second housing section 14 for fixing board section 12 from a surface opposite to the surface on which imaging element 17 is loaded; and lens section 15 attached to the first housing section 13 side; first housing section 13 and second housing section 14 are fixed by attachment members 25 so as to sandwich board section 12. First housing section 13 may be configured from board fixing member 21 for fixing board section 12, and lens attachment member 22 for attaching lens section 15 that is fixed to board fixing member 21 in a positionally adjustable manner.