Lens Module Heating via Holder Conduction for Automotive Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems for motor vehicles face challenges in maintaining image quality due to ice buildup on lenses at low temperatures and mechanical stress from vibrations, with complex and costly wiring for electrical heating units being a significant issue.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with a remotely placed electrical heater element attached to a lens holder body, which transfers heat via thermal connection to the lens module, eliminating the need for complex wiring and improving heat transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a heater element is placed close to the lens module for efficient heating, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but wiring complexity and vulnerability to damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heater element is moved from a position close to the lens module to a remote position on the circuit board, changing the spatial dimension of heater placement. This allows the heater to be electrically connected directly to the circuit board without requiring long wiring through the lens housing, thus reducing wiring complexity while maintaining heating functionality through thermal conduction via the lens holder body.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens holder body serves as a thermal intermediary, conducting heat from the remotely positioned heater element to the lens module. This mediator enables efficient heat transfer without requiring the heater to be in direct contact with or close to the lens module, thereby decoupling the heating function from the optical path and reducing wiring vulnerability.
2Reliability
If wiring is guided from the lens through the camera housing to power the heater, then the heater can be powered, but the assembly becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The heater element is merged with the circuit board assembly, eliminating the need for separate wiring harnesses to run through the lens housing. The electrical connection is integrated directly into the circuit board, simplifying the overall assembly and reducing the number of components that need to be installed and connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex wiring path through the lens housing is extracted and replaced by a direct electrical connection on the circuit board. The heater element is taken out from its traditional position near the lens and relocated to the circuit board, where it can be powered directly without requiring wiring to traverse the entire camera housing.
3Device complexity
If the heater is placed remotely from the lens module, then wiring complexity is reduced, but heat transfer efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lens holder body acts as a thermal intermediary with high thermal conductivity, efficiently conducting heat from the remotely positioned heater element on the circuit board to the lens module. This mediator compensates for the increased distance by providing a dedicated thermal conduction path, maintaining heat transfer efficiency despite the remote heater placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the heater element on the circuit board for electrical connection, the lens holder body as a thermal conduction pathway, and the lens module as the heating target. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system.
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 design simplifies electrical connections, enhances heat transfer efficiency, and effectively removes ice buildup, ensuring reliable operation under varying environmental conditions and mechanical stress.
Implementation Method 1
The heater element is thermally connected to the lens module via the lens holder body to heat the lens module
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a camera for a motor vehicle. The camera includes a lens module, a lens holder body, which is mechanically connected to the lens module, and an electrical heater element for heating the lens module. The heater element is arranged at a surface of the lens holder body facing away from the lens module. The heater element is thermally connected to the lens module via the lens holder body.