In-Vehicle Light Apparatus Radar Heat Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vehicle light apparatuses with integrated millimeter wave radar and lamps suffer from performance deterioration due to multiple reflections, leading to standing waves and degraded target detection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The in-vehicle light apparatus incorporates a radar unit with antenna elements arranged in an array intersecting the direction of the reflector, preventing direct overlap and diffusing multiple reflected waves, while a separator shields radiant heat and electromagnetic waves to prevent overheating and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the radar unit and lamp unit are integrated, then space utilization is improved and design is enhanced, but radar performance deteriorates due to multiple reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated unit is segmented into distinct functional zones: the lamp unit with reflector and the radar unit with antenna elements. The reflector is designed with specific geometric segmentation to control light reflection paths, while the antenna elements are arranged in a segmented array pattern. This segmentation allows each component to function independently while minimizing harmful interactions between them.
Solution Approach 2:
A separator structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the lamp unit and radar unit. This separator shields the radar antenna from direct exposure to radiant heat from the lamp while allowing electromagnetic waves to pass through. The separator acts as a mediator that prevents thermal interference without blocking radar functionality, thus resolving the conflict between integration benefits and performance maintenance.
2Ease of manufacture
If the antenna elements are arranged parallel to the reflector extending direction, then manufacturing is simplified, but multiple reflections cause standing waves and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna elements are arranged in an asymmetric configuration relative to the reflector's extending direction. Instead of parallel alignment that would create symmetric reflection paths, the antenna array is positioned at an angle or with non-uniform spacing. This asymmetric arrangement breaks the symmetry of reflection paths, preventing constructive interference and standing wave formation, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple.
3Device complexity
If the circuit board is disposed close to the lamp unit for compact design, then device size is reduced, but overheating occurs due to radiant heat
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal separator or heat shield is positioned between the lamp unit and the circuit board, acting as an intermediary that blocks radiant heat while allowing the overall device to remain compact. This mediator component enables close proximity arrangement for space efficiency while preventing thermal damage to sensitive electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin heat shield film or flexible thermal barrier is used to separate the circuit board from the lamp unit. This thin film structure provides effective thermal isolation without adding significant bulk, allowing the device to maintain compact dimensions while protecting the circuit board from overheating.
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 effectively suppresses the deterioration of radar performance by reducing multiple reflections and overheating, maintaining accurate target detection and improving the reliability of the in-vehicle light apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of antenna elements disposed in the board surface of the circuit board to transmit an electromagnetic wave in the first direction and to receive a reflected wave thereof
Implementation Method 2
a reflector surrounding the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A light apparatus mounted on a vehicle includes a lamp that emits light into a first region through a first cover and a radar provided on a lower side or an upper side of the lamp. The radar includes a separator provided between the lamp and the radar, a circuit board having a board surface arranged in a substantially horizontal manner, and an antenna that is disposed on the board surface of the circuit board, transmits electromagnetic waves through a second cover in a second region that is at least partially different from the first region, and receives reflected waves through the second cover from objects outside the vehicle in the second region.