Vehicle Camera Heating Control Preventing Window Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle camera systems face issues with dew condensation and ice/frost on the front window due to low outside temperatures, leading to blurred images or failure to capture objects, as current heating solutions do not account for heat generated by the camera, potentially causing excessive heating and component deformation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle photographing apparatus with a heating device that includes a control system to calculate and adjust the heat generation based on outside air temperature, vehicle speed, interior air temperature, and air conditioner conditions, considering the heat impact from the camera to prevent excessive heating and ensure clear imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heater is used to heat the front window to prevent dew condensation and ice/frost, then the imaging quality is improved, but the temperature of the heater may become excessively high causing component deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The control device calculates the heat generation amount of the heater by subtracting the heat generated by the camera unit from the total heat required to maintain the front window temperature above the dew point, thereby preventing excessive heater temperature and component deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the heater's heat generation parameter based on real-time temperature conditions, camera unit heat output, and dew point calculations to maintain optimal operating temperature
2Device complexity
If the heat generation amount of the heater is calculated without considering the camera heat, then the control complexity is reduced, but the temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control device incorporates feedback from temperature sensors and camera unit heat generation data to dynamically calculate and adjust the heater's power output, achieving precise temperature control without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational parameters (camera heat generation, detected temperatures) to automatically determine the required heater output, eliminating the need for external calibration or complex manual control
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 system effectively maintains the front window temperature above the dew point, preventing condensation and ice/frost while minimizing the risk of component deformation by accurately controlling heat generation, ensuring clear imaging and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
the heater generates heat when electricity is supplied to the heater
Implementation Method 2
the heated portion gives heat received from the heater to the front window as radiation heat
Implementation Method 3
the heater receives heat generated by the camera, and thus the temperature of the heater rises due to this heat
Data Source
AI summary
A photographing apparatus for vehicle includes a photographing apparatus, heating means, an outside air temperature detector, and a control device. The photographing apparatus is disposed inside a vehicle so as to face a window of the vehicle and is configured to receive photographing light passing through the window. The heating means is disposed inside the vehicle so as to face the window and generates heat when receiving electricity. The outside air temperature detector detects outside air temperature which is air temperature outside of the vehicle. The control device calculates an amount corresponding to a target value of electric energy to be supplied to the heating means for a predetermined period of time based on the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature detector and temperature of the photographing apparatus, the control device supplying electric energy corresponding to the target value to the heating means.