Sealed Imaging Module With Thermoelectric Cooling for Vehicle Lamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging devices in vehicle lamps are rendered unusable due to harsh environments such as high ambient temperature and humidity, leading to issues like condensation and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
The imaging device and thermoelectric cooler are housed in a sealed cavity with a thermoelectric cooler to adjust temperature and prevent environmental degradation, using inert gas or vacuum sealing to enhance reliability, and heat conducting layers to manage thermal resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging device is placed in a vehicle lamp environment, then the projection function can be implemented, but the imaging device becomes unusable due to high ambient temperature and humidity causing condensation and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into two separate environments: a sealed cavity containing the imaging device and thermoelectric cooler, and the external vehicle lamp environment. The sealed cavity isolates the imaging device from harmful environmental factors (high temperature and humidity), while the thermoelectric cooler actively manages the internal temperature. This segmentation allows the imaging device to operate in a controlled environment while still functioning within the vehicle lamp system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermoelectric cooler as an intermediary component between the imaging device and the harsh vehicle lamp environment. The thermoelectric cooler actively regulates the temperature inside the sealed cavity, preventing condensation and corrosion by maintaining optimal operating conditions for the imaging device, thus mediating the interaction between the device and the external environment.
2Reliability
If a sealed cavity is used to protect the imaging device from humidity, then corrosion is prevented, but temperature control becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric cooler serves as an intermediary thermal management system within the sealed cavity. It actively pumps heat away from the imaging device, converting electrical energy into thermal energy transfer, thereby maintaining a stable operating temperature despite the sealed environment and external heat conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters inside the sealed cavity by introducing active cooling. The thermoelectric cooler dynamically adjusts the temperature parameter, maintaining it within an optimal range for the imaging device operation, thus resolving the temperature control challenge posed by the sealed cavity.
3Reliability
If the thermoelectric cooler continuously operates to maintain temperature, then optimal performance is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where a temperature sensor continuously monitors the internal temperature of the sealed cavity and feeds this information to the control circuit. The control circuit then adjusts the thermoelectric cooler's operation accordingly, reducing energy consumption by operating the cooler only when necessary to maintain optimal temperature, rather than continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous operation, the thermoelectric cooler operates periodically based on temperature thresholds. The control circuit activates the cooler when the temperature exceeds a设定的 range and deactivates it when the temperature is within the optimal range, creating a periodic on-off operation pattern that reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining reliable performance.
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
Ensures reliable operation of imaging devices in harsh environments by maintaining optimal temperature ranges and preventing corrosion, improving optical performance and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric cooler configured to adjust a temperature of the imaging device
Implementation Method 2
The sealed cavity is a vacuum cavity, so that the inside of the sealed cavity is in vacuum
Implementation Method 3
The sealed cavity is filled with at least one type of inert gas
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of this application provide an imaging apparatus, a projection apparatus, a vehicle lamp apparatus, a display apparatus, and a transportation means, and pertain to the field of imaging technologies. The imaging apparatus includes a thermoelectric cooler, an imaging device, and a housing. The housing surrounds a sealed cavity, the thermoelectric cooler and the imaging device are disposed inside the sealed cavity, the thermoelectric cooler is configured to adjust a temperature of the imaging device, and the imaging device generates imaging light emitted to the outside of the housing. In the imaging apparatus provided in embodiments of this application, the thermoelectric cooler and the imaging device are disposed in the sealed cavity, to ensure usage of the imaging device in a harsh environment.