Lens Barrel Heating Ring for Low-Loss Automotive Camera Defrosting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating devices for automotive cameras suffer from significant heat loss due to radiation and mechanical contact issues, leading to inefficient energy use and potential damage from excessive temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with a tension socket and/or tension ring that presses a ring-shaped heating element against the lens barrel, combined with a heat transfer ring and paste, to enhance heat conduction and retention, while a temperature sensor and controller manage power levels based on ambient temperature and vehicle state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional heating element is used to heat the lens barrel, then heating function is provided, but heat loss due to radiation and opposite direction conduction is significant
Solution Approach 1:
A heat transfer ring made of aluminum is introduced as an intermediary component between the heating element and the lens barrel. This heat transfer ring captures heat from the heating element and directs it efficiently onto the lens barrel surface, reducing heat loss through radiation and improving overall heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating device uses a composite structure combining a tension ring (mechanical component), heat transfer ring (thermal conduction component), and heating element (thermal generation component). This composite design optimizes both mechanical attachment and thermal transfer performance, reducing energy loss while maintaining reliable heating.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple heating foil is used, then heating function is provided, but the heating foil is subject to damages such as peeling off
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is designed as a flexible heating foil that can conform to the lens barrel surface. The foil is held in place by a tension ring that applies circumferential pressure, preventing peeling and detachment while maintaining intimate thermal contact with the lens barrel.
Solution Approach 2:
The tension ring is pre-installed and pre-tensioned before the heating foil is attached. This preliminary mechanical constraint ensures that the heating foil remains firmly attached during operation, preventing damage from peeling or detachment due to thermal expansion or vibration.
3Power
If high power is applied at the start of heating to overcome thermal hurdle, then melting and vaporization of ice occurs, but too high temperatures may cause damage if applied over too long period
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device operates in periodic cycles: a high-power phase to rapidly melt and vaporize ice (overcoming the thermal hurdle), followed by a low-power maintenance phase to prevent overheating and damage. This periodic control pattern allows the system to achieve effective defrosting while avoiding temperature-related damage to the camera components.
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 reduces heat loss, increases energy efficiency, and prevents damage by maintaining optimal temperature control, ensuring reliable operation of automotive camera systems in various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element adapted to apply heat along the circumference of the lens barrel
Implementation Method 2
a tension socket and/or a tension ring adapted to press a ring-shaped part of the heating element against the lens barrel circumference
Implementation Method 3
a heat transfer ring, preferably comprising aluminum, and/or a heat transfer paste between the ring-shaped part of the heating element and the lens barrel
Data Source
AI summary
A heating device for a lens barrel of an automotive camera assembly includes a heating element adapted to apply heat along the circumference of the lens barrel, and a tension socket and/or a tension ring adapted to press a ring-shaped part of the heating element against the lens barrel circumference. A camera system, an external rear view device, and a motor vehicle, each with at least one such heating device are also described.