Lens Barrel Heating Layout for Fog-Resistant Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules face issues with lens fogging or freezing due to temperature changes, which affect imaging quality, and the use of external heating coils and connectors compromises waterproofing, space efficiency, and miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A camera module design with an internal electric heating apparatus, utilizing a flexible circuit board and heating sheet or wire, integrated within the lens barrel, ensures direct heating of the lens elements, reduces space occupation, and maintains waterproofing through a sealed connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heating coil is wound outside the lens, then the lens fogging problem is solved, but the heating coil cannot be waterproof and external airflows affect heating effect
Solution Approach 1:
The heating coil is nested inside the lens barrel, with the coil wound around the light incident end of the lens element and positioned within the hollow interior of the lens barrel. This nested configuration protects the heating coil from external environmental factors while maintaining its heating function to prevent lens fogging.
2Ease of operation
If a connector is used to connect conductive line and power-supply circuit board, then plugging and unplugging function is implemented, but large area and volume are occupied and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive line is directly integrated and fixed to the circuit board without using a separate connector. The other end of the conductive line is fixed to the lens barrel, creating a streamlined connection structure that eliminates the volume and area occupied by traditional connectors while maintaining electrical connectivity.
3Reliability
If heating coil is exposed to periphery of lens, then heating function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and waterproofing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The heating coil is positioned within the hollow interior of the lens barrel, nested inside the lens structure rather than exposed externally. This configuration maintains the heating function while protecting the coil from environmental factors and simplifying the waterproofing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
A waterproof coating or seal is applied to the heating coil and its surrounding structure within the lens barrel, creating a protective barrier that maintains waterproofing while allowing the heating function to operate effectively.
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
The solution effectively prevents lens fogging, stabilizes temperature, and facilitates miniaturization by reducing external exposure and space requirements, while maintaining aesthetic appeal and efficient heat transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The electric heating portion includes an electric heating sheet, and the electric heating sheet includes a substrate and a heating wire arranged inside the substrate or on a surface of the substrate. Alternatively, the electric heating portion includes a heating wire formed on a surface of the flexible circuit board or inside the flexible circuit board.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A camera module (100) having a heating function is provided, including a lens (10), an electric heating apparatus (30), a circuit board (20), and a housing (40). The lens (10) includes a lens barrel (11) and a lens group (13) mounted in the lens barrel (11), the electric heating apparatus (30) includes an electric connecting portion (31) and an electric heating portion (32), and the electric heating portion (32) is located in the lens barrel (11). The circuit board (20) is provided with a second conductive connector (21), and a first conductive connector (33) is connected to the second conductive connector (21). A through hole (112) is provided on a barrel wall of the lens barrel (11), and the lens barrel (11) is penetrated out by the electric connecting portion (31) through the through hole (112). The lens (10) is mounted at a position of a lens element mounting portion (41), and the circuit board (20) is disposed in the housing (40).