Objective Heating Ring With Conductive Elastomer for Icing Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cameras and sensors in vehicles are prone to icing up at low temperatures, leading to operational issues, and existing deicing methods, such as electric heating devices, may require additional components like wipers or sprays, and are not always efficient.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a heating ring made of electrically conductive elastomer material that is integrated with the component at risk of icing, such as an optical lens, providing a seal and ensuring uniform heating through circumferential contact, which can be manufactured cost-effectively and with reduced parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electric heating device is mounted in the vicinity of the component at risk of icing up, then the component can be heated to prevent icing, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and mounting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device is integrated directly into the objective housing, merging the heating function with the structural housing component. This eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, additional fasteners, and complex wiring arrangements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable heating capability for icing prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The objective housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the optical components, and simultaneously acts as the mounting structure for the heating device. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device while ensuring reliable heating for icing prevention
2Reliability
If a heating device with body and conductive material is used, then the component can be heated, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional materials and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are integrated directly into the objective housing structure, combining the housing material with the heating function. This eliminates the need for separate heating device assemblies and reduces the number of manufacturing steps, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining effective heating capability
Solution Approach 2:
The objective housing is constructed as a composite structure that integrates conductive heating material within the housing material itself. This composite approach allows the housing to serve dual purposes as both structural support and heating element, reducing the need for additional materials and simplifying manufacturing processes
3Productivity
If the heating ring is pressed against the component at risk of icing up, then uniform and rapid heating is achieved, but the sealing requirement increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The heating ring is designed to serve dual functions: providing uniform heating through circumferential contact with the component while simultaneously creating a seal at the interface between the component and housing. This merging of heating and sealing functions eliminates the need for separate sealing components, reducing device complexity while maintaining high heating efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The heating ring acts as a multi-functional element that performs both thermal transfer and sealing operations. By pressing against the component, it ensures uniform heating while its material properties and geometric design inherently provide sealing capability, thereby achieving both objectives without additional sealing mechanisms
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 icing by ensuring uniform and rapid heating of the component, reducing the need for additional seals and deicing methods, while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
a heating ring made of an electrically conductive elastomer material
Implementation Method 2
heating ring made of an electrically conductive elastomer material... circumferential contact between the heating ring and the component at risk of icing up is ensured
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing an objective. A component at risk of icing up, for example an optical lens or a radiation-permeable cover, is inserted into a housing and connected to, preferably braced against, the housing, by an interconnection of a heating ring made of an electrically conductive elastomer material. An objective, and an imager module that includes an objective are also description.