Image Sensor Cooling With Heat Transfer Window Anti-Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image sensors in imaging apparatuses generate dark current and noise at elevated temperatures, leading to deteriorated image quality, especially in low-light conditions, and condensation on the image sensor and front window glass due to temperature differences, which further degrades image quality.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a hermetically sealed housing containing a thermoelectric element and a heat-transfer member, such as a graphite sheet, to maintain the temperature of the front window glass, preventing condensation without increasing the device's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image sensor is cooled using a thermoelectric element, then dark current and noise are reduced, but the temperature of the front window glass drops causing condensation
Solution Approach 1:
A heat transfer member (such as a graphite sheet or heat conduction plate) is introduced as an intermediary between the housing and the front window glass. This mediator efficiently conducts heat from the housing to the front window glass, preventing condensation while allowing the image sensor to be cooled by the thermoelectric element. The heat transfer member bridges the thermal gap without interfering with the cooling function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a double pane structure is employed in the front window glass, then condensation is prevented, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the condensation prevention function from the optical path structure (double pane glass) and relocates it to the housing structure through the heat transfer member. By removing the need for a second pane of glass and its associated mounting space, the device volume is reduced while condensation prevention is maintained through thermal management.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the front window glass temperature is maintained, then condensation is prevented, but heat transfer to the glass is insufficient with conventional attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameter of the attachment system by introducing a heat transfer member with high thermal conductivity. This material parameter change enables efficient heat transfer from the housing to the front window glass, maintaining the glass temperature above the dew point and preventing condensation.
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
Prevents condensation on the front window glass while maintaining image quality by efficiently transferring heat to the glass, thus reducing noise and improving image capture in low-light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric element thermally connected with the image sensor
Implementation Method 2
a heat-transfer member arranged between the attachment member and the light transmission member or between the housing and the light transmission member and configured to transfer, to the light transmission member, heat transferred from the thermoelectric element to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes an image sensor, a thermoelectric element thermally connected with the image sensor, a housing accommodating the image sensor and the thermoelectric element, having an opening at a position facing the image sensor, and thermally connected to the thermoelectric element, a light transmission member arranged on the opening of the housing to cover the opening of the housing, an attachment member configured to fix the light transmission member to the housing to attach the light transmission member to the housing, and a heat-transfer member arranged between the attachment member and the light transmission member or between the housing and the light transmission member and configured to transfer, to the light transmission member, heat transferred from the thermoelectric element to the housing.