Stereo Camera Thermal Management via Inclined Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicular cameras face challenges in heat dissipation, particularly when reduced in size, leading to increased heat density and potential component failure due to high temperatures, especially during summer months, and existing heat transfer methods are ineffective in maintaining operational temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A stereo camera design featuring a pair of image sensors with an inclined surface and airflow path, heat dissipating parts thermally connected to image processing elements, and a fin structure for effective heat dissipation, along with a cover member and light shielding to manage external heat sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the vehicular camera is reduced in size, then the volume and cost are reduced, but the heat density increases and the temperature inside the camera increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inclined surface that extends in the depth direction (from front to back of the camera) rather than only in horizontal or vertical planes. This three-dimensional heat dissipation path allows heat to be conducted away from the image processing elements along the inclined surface toward the rear of the camera, effectively utilizing the depth dimension to increase heat dissipation area without increasing the camera's external volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat dissipation structure that acts as an intermediary between the image processing elements (heat source) and the camera housing. This intermediate heat dissipation component is thermally connected to the image processing elements and conducts heat away from them, preventing direct heat accumulation at the component level while maintaining the compact camera form factor.
2Temperature
If the temperature inside the camera increases, then the heat dissipation demand increases, but component reliability decreases due to potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a heat dissipation structure that is pre-configured and thermally connected to the image processing elements before operation. The inclined surface and heat dissipation paths are built-in features that immediately begin dissipating heat as soon as the components generate it, preventing temperature from rising to critical levels in the first place, rather than attempting to cool overheated components.
3Device complexity
If conventional heat transfer methods are used, then the structure is simple, but heat dissipation effectiveness is insufficient in high-temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inclined surface with a specific curvature or angled geometry rather than a flat surface. This curved or angled configuration increases the surface area available for heat conduction and creates more efficient thermal pathways compared to simple flat surfaces, improving heat dissipation effectiveness without requiring complex active cooling systems.
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 releases heat from the image processing substrate and image sensors, suppressing temperature increases and ensuring reliable operation even in high-temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
heat dissipating parts that are thermally connected to the respective image processing elements and disposed on the inclined surface so as to face the airflow path
Implementation Method 2
an airflow path that is defined so as to extend along the inclined surface of the casing toward the imaging direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a highly reliable stereo camera in which it is possible to prevent the heat generated by an image processing element from contributing to an increase in the temperature of an image sensor, even if the stereo camera is made more compact and the heat density is thus increased inside the stereo camera. The present invention includes: a pair of image sensors 106 that have respective imaging elements disposed at the same height with a space therebetween; image processing elements 109 that are disposed between the image sensors and process image signals captured by the image sensors 106; a casing 105 that has the image processing elements and the image sensors incorporated therein, and in the area between the image sensors, has an inclined surface that is inclined from the image sensors 106 downward toward the imaging direction of the image sensors 106; an airflow path 301 that is defined so as to extend along the inclined surface of the casing 105 toward the imaging direction; and heat dissipating parts 120 that are thermally connected to the respective image processing elements 109 and disposed on the inclined surface so as to face the airflow path.