Windshield Camera Module Cooling Fan for Image Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle vision systems with windshield-mounted cameras face heat dissipation challenges due to the generation of heat during operation, which can exceed maximum operating temperatures if not adequately cooled, affecting image quality.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a cooling fan assembly within the camera module to force cooling air over heat dissipating fins, enhancing heat dissipation and maintaining the semiconductor junction temperature below a threshold for optimal image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat dissipating fins are used to dissipate heat from the camera module, then heat dissipation capability is improved, but the camera module still cannot maintain semiconductor junction temperature below threshold under high operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic cooling by introducing a cooling fan that forces air flow through the camera module housing and over heat-generating components. This active fluid-based cooling system supplements the passive heat dissipating fins, creating a hybrid cooling approach that effectively maintains semiconductor junction temperature below operational thresholds while ensuring reliable image quality.
2Temperature
If a cooling fan assembly is added to the camera module, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fan assembly is merged with the camera module housing to form an integrated cooling system. The fan, housing, and heat dissipating fins work as a unified thermal management system, reducing the need for separate cooling components and minimizing overall structural complexity while maintaining effective cooling performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module housing serves multiple functions: it protects internal components, provides structural support, acts as a heat dissipation surface with integrated fins, and serves as an air channel for the cooling fan. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated cooling structures, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Temperature
If air channels are created within the housing to direct cooling air, then cooling efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating complex internal three-dimensional air channels within the housing, the design utilizes two-dimensional air flow paths along the external surfaces of the housing. The cooling air flows over the external heat dissipating fins and along the housing contours, achieving effective cooling while maintaining simple housing geometry that is easier to manufacture using conventional molding or fabrication processes.
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 cooling fan assembly effectively manages heat generated by the camera and associated electronics, ensuring the camera module operates within safe temperature limits, thereby maintaining image quality and extending the system's operational lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fan assembly integrated in the camera module to force cooling air over one or more parts of the camera module
Implementation Method 2
Heat is generated during operation of the cameras, and heat dissipating fins or the like are typically used to dissipate heat
Data Source
AI summary
A windshield electronics module for a vehicular vision system includes a camera module configured to be mounted at an in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicle, and a cover element that encloses the camera module at the windshield when the camera module and cover element are mounted at the in-cabin side of the windshield. The camera module includes a camera and circuitry including an image processor. A cooling fan assembly is attached at the camera housing and an air intake conduit is disposed between an air inlet of the cover element and an air inlet of the cooling fan assembly. The cooling fan assembly, when electrically powered, draws air from the interior cabin of the vehicle via the air intake conduit and directs the drawn air as airflow along and between heat dissipating fins of the camera housing.