Stereo Camera Housing Rib Layout for Heat Dissipation Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional camera devices for driving support systems face issues with temperature rise and thermal deformation due to uneven heat distribution, leading to potential malfunctions and reduced accuracy in distance measurement, as the heat transfer path is long, resulting in high thermal resistance and inadequate heat dissipation.

Innovation Solution

The camera device incorporates a case with first and second ribs formed on the circuit board to enhance heat dissipation and rigidity, with the first ribs extending perpendicular to the optical axis and intersecting second ribs, reducing air flow resistance and increasing air flow rate, thereby effectively dissipating heat and minimizing thermal deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a heat transfer unit is used to transfer heat from the circuit board to the board holding unit, then heat dissipation is improved, but the thermal resistance increases due to the long heat transfer path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipation effectivenessVSAvoidthermal resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The case is divided into multiple rib structures (first ribs and second ribs) that segment the heat transfer path into multiple parallel channels. This segmentation creates numerous heat dissipation pathways simultaneously, reducing the effective thermal resistance by providing multiple routes for heat flow from the circuit board to the surrounding environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-dimensional heat transfer path to a multi-dimensional heat dissipation structure. The ribs extend in multiple directions (first ribs in one direction, second ribs intersecting in another direction), creating a three-dimensional heat dissipation network that significantly reduces thermal resistance by utilizing spatial dimensions for heat flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the camera device is installed in the vicinity of the windshield for recognizing objects, then the viewing angle is improved, but the temperature rises due to sunlight and heat generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angleVSAvoiddevice temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful effect of sunlight and ambient heat into a beneficial heat dissipation gradient. By positioning the circuit board with ribs facing outward toward the windshield, the device utilizes the temperature difference between the warmed exterior and the interior components to drive natural convection currents, transforming environmental heating into an active heat dissipation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The rib structures create channels that facilitate air flow through the device housing. Natural convection currents driven by temperature differences move air through these channels, providing passive cooling without mechanical components. The pneumatic flow through the ribbed structure efficiently removes heat from the circuit board.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the viewing angle is widened and recognition objects are increased, then the functionality is improved, but the power consumption and heat generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the thermal parameters of the device by introducing rib structures with specific geometries that optimize heat dissipation. The ribs create increased surface area and optimized air flow paths, fundamentally altering the thermal conduction and convection parameters to handle the increased heat load from enhanced processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Temperature

If thermal deformation of the housing occurs due to temperature changes, then the parallax deviation increases, but the measurement accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal stabilityVSAvoiddistance measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rib structures are strategically positioned and dimensioned to provide localized thermal management where it is most critical. The first and second ribs are arranged to specifically target heat dissipation from the circuit board and processing unit, creating local thermal stability in the critical measurement components while allowing other parts of the housing to experience normal thermal expansion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration effectively suppresses temperature rise and thermal deformation of the housing, improving the reliability of the camera device by enhancing both heat dissipation and rigidity, ensuring accurate distance measurements and prolonged component lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

enhance heat dissipation and rigidity, with the first ribs extending perpendicular to the optical axis and intersecting second ribs, reducing air flow resistance and increasing air flow rate, thereby effectively dissipating heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat dissipation: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3796085B1Camera device
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 ASTEMO LTD
  • EP3796085B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3796085B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP3796085B1 patent drawingFigure 8~9

AI summary

The present invention provides a camera device capable of suppressing temperature increase and thermal deformation of a casing. In the present invention, a camera device 200 is provided with a pair of right and left camera modules 8, 8, a circuit board 9 having a function of processing images captured by the camera modules 8, 8, and first and second cases 6, 7 integrally containing the camera modules 8, 8 and the circuit board 9 along at least the circuit board. The camera device is provided with, on a surface along the circuit board 9 outside the first case 6, a plurality of first ribs 11 formed so as to extend along a direction (z-axis) perpendicular to the optical axes of the camera modules 8, 8 and so as to become lower with distance from the camera modules 8, 8, and a plurality of second ribs 12 formed so as to cross the plurality of first ribs 11.