Thermal Spreader Between Opposing ISLAs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capture devices face challenges in efficiently managing heat generated by integrated sensor-lens assemblies (ISLAs), which can lead to reduced device performance and lifespan, especially during high-resolution image or video capture.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a thermal spreader, such as a graphite bridge, that connects and extends between two ISLAs, allowing for heat transfer between them, thereby utilizing one ISLA as an additional heat sink when the other is inactive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat is transferred directly from ISLAs to heat sinks using conventional methods, then heat dissipation is achieved, but the device requires additional heat sink components and cannot fully utilize inactive ISLAs for heat management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heat dissipation function into the ISLA structure itself by creating a thermally conductive bridge between the first and second ISLAs. This allows the inactive ISLA to serve dual purposes: maintaining functionality while acting as a heat sink for the active ISLA, thereby eliminating the need for separate heat sink components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inactive ISLA is given multi-functionality by serving both as a standby image capture device and as a thermal management component. The thermally conductive bridge enables the inactive ISLA to function as an additional heat sink, allowing the same component to perform multiple roles within the device architecture.
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional heat sink methods are used, then heat is dissipated, but operational runtime is limited due to insufficient heat management capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted by directing heat from the active ISLA to the inactive ISLA through the thermally conductive bridge. This recovered heat can then be dissipated when the previously inactive ISLA becomes active or through additional thermal pathways, effectively extending the device's operational runtime by improving overall heat management capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ISLAs are integrated for overlapping fields-of-view, then imaging versatility is improved, but heat generation increases requiring more complex thermal management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the thermal management resources of multiple ISLAs by creating a shared thermal pathway through the thermally conductive bridge. This allows heat generated by multiple active ISLAs to be distributed and dissipated across the entire ISLA assembly, managing the increased heat load that results from integrating multiple sensors for versatile imaging capabilities.
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 solution enhances heat dissipation, prolongs the operational runtime of the image capture device, and increases the usable life of its components, particularly during high-resolution image or video capture.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal spreader is connected to, and extends between, the first and second ISLAs, and is configured to transfer heat therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
An image capture device is disclosed that includes: a body; first and second image capture devices supported within the body so as to define respective, overlapping first and second fields-of-view; and a thermal spreader. The first image capture device includes a first integrated sensor-lens assembly (ISLA) with a first image sensor and a first lens, and the second image capture device includes a second ISLA with a second image sensor and a second lens. The first lens faces in a first direction, and is positioned to receive and direct light onto the first image sensor, and the second lens faces in a second direction, and is positioned to receive and direct light onto the second image sensor, wherein the second direction is generally opposite to the first direction. The thermal spreader extends between, and is connected to, the first and second ISLAs, and is configured to transfer heat therebetween.