Light-Trap Vent Channels for Vehicle Camera Fog Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-trap arrangements for vehicle cameras are not versatile or effective in blocking stray light while ensuring adequate ventilation of the enclosed windshield area, leading to potential issues with fog and ice formation.
Innovation Solution
A camera device light-trap arrangement with a rim border featuring channels that extend in multiple directions, coated with a matte microstructure, to minimize light reflections and enhance ventilation, thereby blocking incident light effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If openings are designed to allow air flow for ventilation, then fog and ice prevention is improved, but light blocking capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is divided into multiple channels that extend in different directions, creating separate light paths that are blocked by the rim border structure while maintaining air flow capability for ventilation
Solution Approach 2:
Channels extend in at least two different extension directions (e.g., arcuate manner) to block light from reaching the camera lens while still allowing air to pass through to prevent fog and ice formation on the windshield
2Object-affected harmful factors
If channels extend in multiple directions to block light, then light blocking capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rim border structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks light from entering the camera lens, allows air flow through channels for ventilation, and provides structural support for mounting the light-trap arrangement to the windshield
Solution Approach 2:
The light-blocking rim border and ventilation channels are merged into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If matte microstructure is applied to minimize reflections, then light blocking is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner walls of the channels are coated with a matte microstructure that changes the surface parameters to minimize light reflections and prevent light rays from propagating through reflections, thereby improving light blocking capability
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 provides a more versatile and effective light-trap arrangement that reduces light reflections and ensures efficient ventilation, preventing fog and ice formation while adapting to different environments and vehicle properties.
Implementation Method 1
the channels are coated by a matte microstructure. In this way, reflections in the inner walls are minimized, and light rays that hit the inner walls are thus prevented from propagating by means of reflections
Implementation Method 2
The rim border circumvents an area inside the inside edge and comprises a first plurality of channels that fluidly connect the outside edge and the inside edge when the rim border is mounted to abut a vehicle windshield
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a camera device light-trap arrangement (2) that comprises a lens opening (3), adapted to receive a camera lens assembly (4), and a rim border (5) that is adapted to abut a vehicle windshield (21) and has a width (w) that extends between an outside edge (6) and an inside edge (7). The rim border (5) circumvents an area (A) inside the inside edge (7) and comprises a first plurality of channels (8, 8′) that fluidly connect the outside edge (6) and the inside edge (7) when the rim border (5) is mounted to abut a vehicle windshield (21). Each channel (8, 8′) comprises inner walls (13, 14, 15) and an open side (16) that is adapted to face a windshield (21). A second plurality of channels (8, 8′), comprised in the first plurality of channels, extend in at least two different extension directions (D1, D2; D1, D3) from the outside edge (6) to the inside edge (7).