Optical Device Heating Element Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices for vehicles face challenges in size increase and unreliable electrical connections when using external heating elements for de-frosting and de-fogging, complicating the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a printed circuit board integrating an image capture electronic circuit and a lens holder, featuring a heating element with conductive wires that are securely attached to the board through wire insertion guides, allowing for efficient alignment and contact without additional force, using a long drying time glue for assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an external heating element is used for de-frosting and de-fogging, then the optical element can be effectively heated, but the size of the camera system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is integrated directly into the lens holder structure, merging the heating function with the existing mechanical support structure. This eliminates the need for separate external heating elements and reduces overall system volume while maintaining effective heating capability through direct thermal contact with the optical element.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is nested within the lens holder assembly, with the heating wire embedded in the cylindrical wall structure. This nested arrangement allows the heating function to be contained within the existing structural boundaries, preventing size increase while ensuring effective heat transfer to the optical element.
2Temperature
If an external heating element is used, then heating function is provided, but electrical connection becomes unreliable and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductive wires are integrated directly into the lens holder structure, merging the electrical connection function with the mechanical assembly. The wires are embedded in grooves within the cylindrical wall, providing both structural support and reliable electrical connectivity, which simplifies the assembly process by eliminating separate connection steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire insertion guide elements act as intermediaries between the heating element wires and the external electrical connections. These guides provide a standardized interface that facilitates reliable wire routing and connection, improving both assembly ease and connection reliability while maintaining the heating function.
3Reliability
If wire insertion guides are used, then electrical connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire insertion guides serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the wires, guide wire placement during assembly, ensure proper electrical connection alignment, and integrate with the existing lens holder structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
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 reduces the size of the camera system, facilitates reliable electrical connections, and enables a faster assembly process while ensuring effective de-frosting and de-fogging of the optical elements.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element (23) comprising a heating part (24) arranged in contact with the top optical element (22) and comprising a first electrical conductive wire (26) and a second electrical conductive wire (28)
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising an image capture electronic circuit, a lens holder and a heating element. The lens holder extends along the optical axis of the optical device from its top to bottom extremities and comprises a top optical element arranged on its top extremity. The lens holder is mounted on the PCB so as to align, along the optical axis, the image capture electronic circuit and the top optical element. The heating element comprises a heating part arranged in contact with the top optical element and first and second electrical conductive wires. Each wire extends from the heating part to their bottom extremity which is directly attached in electrical contact with the PCB. The optical device also comprises first and second wire insertion guide elements. The first and second wires are respectively arranged in the first and second guide elements.