Removable Infrared Camera Window Assembly for Vehicle Glazing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infrared camera systems positioned behind vehicle glazing face maintenance challenges due to the need to replace both the glazing and infrared transmitting member together, and suffer from vignetting phenomena at non-zero angles, leading to image brightness loss.
Innovation Solution
An infrared camera module comprising an infrared image sensor, an outer window transparent to infrared radiation, and an interface part that allows removable attachment to a glazing, with focal optical elements and anti-reflective coatings to optimize optical transmission, reducing maintenance costs and vignetting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the outer window is fixed to the glazing in a non-removable manner, then the structural stability is improved, but the maintenance complexity increases because both the glazing and infrared transmitting member must be replaced together
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed as a separate, removable component that interfaces between the glazing and the infrared transmitting member. This segmentation allows the infrared transmitting member to be detached and replaced independently from the glazing, while maintaining a stable connection during operation through the bracket's securing mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If the outer window is positioned at a non-zero angle with respect to the optical axis, then the alignment with the inclined glazing is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to vignetting phenomenon
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with an asymmetric inclined surface that matches the specific angle of the glazing. This asymmetric geometry allows the bracket to tilt the camera assembly to align with the inclined glazing surface, achieving precise alignment while the bracket's structural support minimizes the negative impact of the angle on image quality.
3Volume of moving object
If the distance between the outer window and the infrared camera is increased, then the space for mounting is improved, but image quality worsens due to increased vignetting
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket extends in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, utilizing the lateral dimension to provide mounting clearance. This allows the infrared camera to be positioned at an optimal distance from the glazing while maintaining a compact overall structure, as the bracket's lateral extension provides the necessary space without increasing the distance along the optical axis.
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
Facilitates easy separation of the camera module from the glazing for replacement, maintains optical alignment, and reduces maintenance costs by allowing independent assembly and calibration of the camera module before final integration, thus improving image quality and reducing production complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an outer window, inclined with respect to an optical axis of the infrared image sensor and held in a window mount comprising a shape adapted to cooperate, in a removable manner, with a receiving part surrounding a hole passing through a glazing
Implementation Method 2
an interface part providing a mechanical link between the window mount and the infrared image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an infrared camera module comprising an infrared image sensor, an outer window, inclined with respect to an optical axis of the infrared image sensor and held in a window mount comprising a shape adapted to cooperate, in a removable manner, with a receiving part surrounding a hole passing through a glazing, and an interface part providing a mechanical link between the window mount and the infrared image sensor.