Vehicle Camera Module Heating Layer for Lens Fogging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micro-camera modules in vehicles are prone to condensation and frost due to abrupt temperature changes, leading to unsatisfactory image recordings and potential product failures.
Innovation Solution
A camera module with a heating device that includes a heating member with a ring shape, comprising a heating wrap with a heating sheet and heating wire, and a control unit to manage the heating, preventing condensation on the lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heating device is added to prevent lens condensation, then condensation prevention is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is merged with the existing lens assembly by forming the heating layer directly on the lens surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate heating devices while achieving effective condensation prevention through the heating layer that raises the lens surface temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
A porous heating layer is formed on the lens surface using sol-gel technology. The porous structure provides high surface area for efficient heating while using minimal material. The layer contains heating particles distributed within a porous matrix, enabling effective heat generation with low power consumption.
2Reliability
If a heating device is added to prevent lens condensation, then condensation prevention is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The porous heating layer uses high surface area to volume ratio to maximize heating efficiency with minimal material. The porous structure allows rapid heat distribution across the lens surface, reducing the total energy required compared to conventional solid heating elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating layer uses nanoscale heating particles (0.1-10 μm) with specific thermal properties to achieve efficient heating at low power consumption. The particle size and material composition are optimized to convert electrical energy to thermal energy efficiently, minimizing power requirements while maintaining effective condensation prevention.
3Manufacturing precision
If sol-gel technology is used to form heating layer, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens due to additional process steps
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical coating process is replaced with sol-gel chemistry. The heating layer is formed through chemical reactions in solution, allowing uniform deposition at low temperatures without complex mechanical coating equipment. This chemical approach simplifies the manufacturing process while achieving precise layer uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sol-gel process uses controllable chemical parameters (pH, temperature, precursor concentration) to precisely control heating layer formation. By adjusting these chemical parameters, uniform layers with controlled thickness and composition are achieved, and the process can be performed at low temperatures suitable for plastic lenses.
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 prevents condensation and frost on the lens, ensuring reliable image recording and extending the lifespan of the camera module by maintaining optimal operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a heating layer that generates heat to prevent condensation on the lens
Implementation Method 2
a porous heating layer formed on the lens using sol-gel technology
Data Source
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AI summary
The present embodiment relates to a heating device comprising: a substrate; a connection terminal electrically connected to the substrate; and a heating member electrically connected to the connection terminal, wherein the connection terminal includes a first region including an inner portion and an outer portion, a third region electrically connected to the substrate, and a second region disposed between the first region and the third region, and the heating member is disposed between the inner portion and the outer portion of the connection terminal.