Omnidirectional Camera Thermal Management via Conductive Mount Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Omnidirectional cameras face challenges in effectively releasing heat generated by high-pixel and high-speed image pickup elements, particularly when used in high-temperature environments and under direct sunlight, due to concentrated heat sources in a limited space.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a cylindrical camera mounting frame and mount blocks made of materials with good heat transfer properties, along with ground layers on circuit boards and heat transfer members, to facilitate heat radiation. Additionally, a liquid-tight structure with radiation fins and a heat shield cover with ventilation helps in heat dissipation, while a heat insulating portion thermally isolates the camera assembly from the heat shield cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high-pixel image pickup elements and increased photographing speed are implemented, then image resolution and productivity are improved, but heat generation increases causing operational failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heat generation problem from the camera system by implementing dedicated heat radiation structures. The mount blocks are designed with heat radiating surfaces that extend outward from the camera housing, effectively separating the heat dissipation function from the imaging function. This allows high-pixel image pickup elements to operate at higher resolutions without causing operational failures due to excessive heat accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces heat transfer members as intermediaries between the image pickup elements and the external environment. These heat transfer members conduct heat away from the high-pixel image pickup elements and photographing speed processing components, transferring it to the heat radiating surfaces of the mount blocks. This intermediary mechanism enables high-resolution imaging and fast photographing speeds while preventing harmful heat accumulation that would cause operational failures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are integrated in a limited space, then omnidirectional imaging capability is improved, but heat release becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heat management system into multiple independent heat radiation paths. Each mount block that holds a camera is equipped with its own heat radiating surfaces, allowing heat from multiple cameras to be dissipated independently. This segmentation enables the omnidirectional imaging capability to function with multiple cameras integrated in limited space while each camera's heat can be effectively released through its dedicated radiation surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends heat radiation into the external spatial dimension by designing mount blocks with heat radiating surfaces that protrude outward from the camera housing. This dimensional extension allows heat from the tightly integrated multiple cameras to be radiated into the surrounding environment, overcoming the heat release difficulty caused by limited internal space while maintaining omnidirectional imaging capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the camera operates in high-temperature environments with direct sunlight, then field usability is improved, but normal operation cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary heat radiation preparation by designing mount blocks with extended heat radiating surfaces that are active before the camera encounters high-temperature field conditions. These pre-configured radiation surfaces begin dissipating heat as soon as the camera operates, creating a head start in thermal management. This preliminary anti-action against heat accumulation enables the camera to maintain normal operation in high-temperature environments with direct sunlight, ensuring both field usability and reliability.
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 solution enables effective heat transfer and release, preventing heat buildup and ensuring stable operation even in harsh environments, such as high temperatures and direct sunlight, by efficiently radiating heat away from the camera components.
Implementation Method 1
the first circuit board has a ground layer formed on an abutting surface with respect to the first mount block... and the heat generated from the first image pickup element is radiated from the first mount block and the camera mounting frame through the ground layer
Implementation Method 2
the heat generated from the first image pickup element is radiated from the first mount block and the camera mounting frame through the ground layer
Implementation Method 3
the image processing integrated circuit is in contact with the bottom case through a heat transfer member, and the heat from the image processing integrated circuit is radiated from the bottom case through the heat transfer member
Implementation Method 4
a heat shield cover with ventilation helps in heat dissipation
Data Source
AI summary
An omnidirectional camera comprises a camera mounting frame 5 of a cylindrical hollow body, two or more first mount blocks 8 which hold a first lens unit 9 in a horizontal posture and are installed to the camera mounting frame from a horizontal direction, and first circuit boards provided on inner end surfaces of the first mount blocks, and in the omnidirectional camera, the camera mounting frame and the first mount blocks are made of materials with good heat transfer properties, the first circuit board has a ground layer formed on an abutting surface with respect to the first mount block and a first image pickup element arranged on an optical axis of the first lens unit, and the heat generated from the first image pickup element is radiated from the first mount block and the camera mounting frame through the ground layer.