Stereo Camera Thermal Layout for Balanced Sensor Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereo camera devices face challenges in maintaining temperature equality between left and right imaging elements, leading to potential measurement inaccuracies and component malfunctions due to temperature differences caused by external factors like sunlight and internal heat generation.
Innovation Solution
The stereo camera device is designed with specific arrangements of imaging and circuit elements, utilizing longer distances and extended heat transfer paths to equalize temperatures between the left and right imaging elements, enhanced by fins for efficient heat radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a heat transfer portion is used to transfer heat from circuit elements to the substrate holding portion, then temperature distribution bias is suppressed, but thermal resistance increases due to the long heat transfer path
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer path is segmented into multiple portions: a first heat transfer portion extending from the first circuit element toward the first imaging element, and a second heat transfer portion extending from the second circuit element toward the second imaging element. These segments allow heat to be dissipated along the path rather than requiring a single long transfer path, reducing thermal resistance while maintaining temperature distribution stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat transfer portions extend in the optical-axis direction (depth dimension) rather than only in the left-right direction. This dimensional change creates longer heat transfer paths that allow heat to dissipate toward the imaging elements, which act as heat sinks, thereby reducing thermal resistance without increasing the lateral footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stereo camera is installed on a vehicle body side exposed to sunlight, then external environment recognition is enabled, but temperature increase occurs due to insufficient heat radiation effect
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging elements act as intermediary heat sinks between the circuit elements and the external environment. Heat from the circuit elements is transferred through the heat transfer portions to the imaging elements, which have larger surface areas and can dissipate heat more effectively to the surrounding environment, thus reducing the overall temperature increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging elements serve dual functions: they perform their primary imaging function while simultaneously acting as heat dissipation components for the circuit elements. This self-service approach allows the system to manage its own thermal load without requiring additional dedicated cooling components.
3Volume of moving object
If circuit elements are positioned closer to imaging elements, then device compactness is improved, but temperature difference between left and right imaging elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positions of the circuit elements are asymmetrically adjusted relative to the imaging elements. The first circuit element is positioned at a first distance from the first imaging element, and the second circuit element is positioned at a second distance from the second imaging element, where these distances are specifically optimized to balance the thermal load on both imaging elements while maintaining compact device dimensions.
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 design reduces temperature differences and enhances measurement accuracy and reliability by effectively managing heat distribution within the stereo camera device.
Implementation Method 1
one end of a heat transfer portion that transfers heat from a part to a substrate holding portion is in contact with a heat generating part, and the other end of the heat transfer portion is in contact with the substrate holding portion
Implementation Method 2
enhanced by fins for efficient heat radiation
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Provided is a stereo camera device in which the temperature difference between a pair of left and right imaging elements is small, and a temperature increase in the imaging elements can be reduced. The present invention comprises a first imaging element and a second imaging element, a first circuit element and a second circuit element disposed between the first imaging element and the second imaging element, and a casing for retaining the first imaging element, the first circuit element, the second circuit element, and the second imaging element in this order, a second distance from the center of the second circuit element to the center of the stereo camera device being greater than a first distance from the center of the first circuit element to the center of the stereo camera device in the direction connecting the first imaging element and the second imaging element, the distance from the center of the first circuit element to the center of the first imaging element being greater than the first distance, and the distance from the center of the second circuit element to the center of the second imaging element being greater than the second distance.