Vehicle Camera Opaque Lens for Stray Light Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical modules for vehicles suffer from parasitic reflections caused by light from outside the vehicle, which create flare and make it difficult for drivers to navigate, especially when parking, due to the reflection of light on the optical lenses.
Innovation Solution
An optical module with an opaque outer lens that absorbs external light to reduce parasitic reflections, featuring a non-homogeneous design with a more opaque first part and a more transparent second part, arranged at specific angles to minimize light entry and reflections, and optionally combined with an opaque cap to further absorb light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an opaque outer lens is used to conceal the camera, then the camera is hidden from outside the vehicle, but parasitic reflections and flare are created on the optical lenses
Solution Approach 1:
The outer lens is divided into two distinct parts: a first part with higher opacity and a second part with lower opacity. This segmentation allows different regions of the outer lens to perform different functions - the first part primarily conceals the camera while the second part allows sufficient light transmission with reduced parasitic reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the outer lens are assigned different optical properties. The first part has higher opacity (30-50% opaque) for concealment, while the second part has lower opacity (75-80% transparent) for light transmission. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between concealment and light transmission.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the outer lens is made more opaque to improve concealment, then camera visibility is reduced, but light transmission for image capture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The outer lens is segmented into a first part optimized for concealment (30-50% opaque) and a second part optimized for light transmission (75-80% transparent), allowing both functions to coexist without compromising either.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the outer lens have different opacity characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The first part is more opaque for concealment while the second part is more transparent for light transmission, resolving the contradiction between these opposing requirements.
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
Significantly reduces or eliminates parasitic reflections and flare, providing clearer images for the driver, improving visibility and navigation by maintaining uniform light intensity and enhancing signal-to-noise ratio, thus facilitating safer parking and maneuvering.
Implementation Method 1
an opaque element configured to absorb light coming from outside said vehicle in such a way as to reduce parasitic reflections of said light on said set of optical lenses of said camera
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module for a vehicle includes a camera including a set of optical lenses, a housing configured to receive the camera, and a glass pane arranged facing the camera and configured to conceal the camera from the outside of the vehicle. The optical module further includes an opaque element configured to absorb light from outside said vehicle so as to reduce stray reflections of the light on the set of optical lenses of the camera.