Vehicle Camera Sealing Between Lens Module and Circuit Board
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cameras in motor vehicles face challenges in withstanding severe temperature fluctuations, mechanical stresses, and environmental influences, which can lead to contamination and functional impairment, particularly affecting the optical path between the lens and image sensor.
Innovation Solution
The camera design incorporates an elastic seal between the circuit board and lens module, forming a clearance that is sealed from the housing volume, protecting the optical path from dust and dirt, and uses a support plate for stable electrical connections without direct attachment to the circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the camera is constructed compactly with separate housing parts, then the camera size is reduced and integration is improved, but dust and contamination can enter the optical path between lens module and circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving space is divided into two separate partial volumes by the elastic seal: a first partial volume containing the optical path between lens module and circuit board, and a second partial volume containing other components. This segmentation isolates the contamination-sensitive optical path from the external environment while maintaining compact overall camera dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
An elastic seal acts as an intermediary barrier between the optical path area and the rest of the housing interior. The seal prevents dust and contamination from entering the optical path while allowing for thermal expansion and mechanical deformation of surrounding components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If rigid sealing structures are used to prevent dust entry, then contamination protection is improved, but deformation and gaps may occur under temperature fluctuations and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The seal transitions from a rigid structure to an elastic material that can change its physical parameters (shape, volume) in response to temperature fluctuations and mechanical stress. This elasticity allows the seal to maintain its sealing function while accommodating deformations of the housing and mounted components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic seal functions as a flexible barrier that conforms to the contours of the mounting surfaces and maintains sealing pressure even when surrounding components expand or contract. The flexibility ensures continuous contact with mating surfaces, preventing gaps that could allow contamination entry.
3Volume of moving object
If the circuit board and lens module are positioned close together, then the camera remains compact, but the optical path becomes vulnerable to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic seal creates a segmented spatial arrangement where the optical path between the closely positioned circuit board and lens module is isolated in a protected partial volume. This allows compact component placement while preventing contamination through the seal barrier.
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 configuration enhances dust and contamination protection, maintains a clean optical path, and facilitates easier electrical connections, improving the camera's functionality and reliability under harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
By the elastic seal, it is moreover allowed that not only a relevant volume delimitation is formed by a partition of any kind. Rather, a certain deformation is also allowed by this elastic configuration and the realization of this separating wall as a seal.
Data Source
AI summary
A camera for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The camera includes a housing, wherein a receiving space, in which a lens module of the camera and a circuit board of the camera are arranged, is bounded by the housing. The camera has a longitudinal axis, wherein the circuit board and the lens module are arranged axially spaced from each other in the direction of this longitudinal axis such that a clearance is formed between the circuit board and the lens module. An elastic seal is arranged between the circuit board and the lens module such that the clearance is sealed from the remaining volume space in the housing by the seal.