Infrared Camera Outer Window Assembly for Low-Vignetting 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 issues when the outer window is inclined, leading to decreased image brightness at the edges.
Innovation Solution
An infrared camera module comprising an infrared image sensor, an outer window transparent to infrared radiation, and an interface part that allows for removable attachment to the glazing, along with focal optical elements and anti-reflective coatings to optimize optical transmission and reduce vignetting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the outer window is inclined to match the vehicle glass angle, then the aesthetic integration is improved, but vignetting occurs causing decreased image brightness at the edges
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the outer window from the infrared camera by introducing a parallel window holder structure. The outer window is mounted at the inclined glass angle while the camera remains on a separate parallel mounting structure, eliminating the direct inclination-transmission path that causes vignetting.
Solution Approach 2:
A parallel window holder acts as an intermediary structure between the inclined outer window and the infrared camera. This holder provides a parallel mounting surface for the camera while allowing the outer window to maintain its inclined position for aesthetic integration with the vehicle glass.
2Device complexity
If the outer window and infrared camera are fixed together as a single unit, then the structural simplicity is improved, but maintenance complexity increases due to the need to replace both components together
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the assembly into separate replaceable modules: the outer window mounted in its holder, and the infrared camera mounted in its separate parallel holder. This segmentation allows independent replacement of each component without replacing the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system provides dynamic replaceability through removable connections. The parallel window holder and camera mounting structure are designed to allow easy attachment and detachment, enabling maintenance personnel to replace only the defective component rather than the entire fixed assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between the outer window and infrared camera is increased, then the mechanical mounting flexibility is improved, but vignetting worsens due to increased edge opacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system resolves the distance-conflict by changing the spatial arrangement from a single inclined plane to a three-dimensional configuration with two distinct mounting planes: the inclined outer window plane and the parallel camera plane. This dimensional change allows optimal distance while maintaining both flexibility and image 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
Facilitates easier maintenance by allowing individual replacement of components, reduces maintenance costs, and minimizes vignetting by ensuring precise alignment and optical optimization, thus improving image quality and reducing production complexities.
Implementation Method 1
an outer window (402) transparent to infrared radiation, inclined with respect to an optical axis (401) of the infrared image sensor (420)
Implementation Method 2
The outer window (402) may be provided with at least one anti-reflective coating
Implementation Method 3
An IR camera generally comprises an arrangement of infrared-sensitive detectors forming an array of pixels. Each pixel of the pixel array converts a temperature measured at the pixel into a corresponding voltage signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 3D~4A
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an infrared camera module (400) comprising: - an infrared image sensor (420); - an outer window (402), inclined with respect to an optical axis (401) of the infrared image sensor and held in a window mount (410) comprising a shape adapted to cooperate, in a removable manner, with a receiving part surrounding a hole passing through a glazing; - an interface part (450) providing a mechanical link between the window mount (410) and the infrared image sensor (420).