Windshield-Coupled Camera Cooling for Forward Vision Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle vision systems face challenges in efficiently dissipating heat generated by imaging sensors, which can lead to increased operating temperatures and reduced image quality, especially in high-power processing applications.
Innovation Solution
A windshield-mounted forward viewing camera module with an integrated cooling system using thermally conductive tape to dissipate heat from heat-generating components to the windshield, combined with a HVAC system to force cooling air over the camera module for enhanced cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat dissipating fins are used to dissipate heat from the camera module, then heat dissipation is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling function with the existing windshield structure by using the windshield as a heat sink. The thermally conductive tape integrates the camera module housing with the windshield, allowing heat to be transferred directly to the windshield without requiring separate heat dissipating fins or additional cooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The windshield serves multiple functions: it acts as both the mounting surface for the camera module and as a heat dissipation pathway. By utilizing the existing windshield structure for cooling, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated cooling components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective heat dissipation.
2Temperature
If thermally conductive tape is used to transfer heat to the windshield, then heat dissipation is improved, but the tape material and bonding durability challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thermally conductive tape comprising a porous substrate impregnated with thermally conductive material. This composite structure provides both mechanical bonding capability and efficient thermal conduction, addressing the dual requirements of attachment durability and heat transfer performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous substrate of the thermally conductive tape provides increased surface area for thermal conduction and potential mechanical interlocking with the windshield and housing surfaces. The porosity allows for better thermal contact while maintaining structural integrity and bonding durability.
3Temperature
If HVAC system is used to force cooling air over the camera module, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the vehicle's existing HVAC system and natural airflow patterns to cool the camera module. By positioning the camera module on the windshield where it is exposed to ambient airflow, the system leverages the vehicle's motion and existing climate control infrastructure without requiring dedicated cooling energy or additional active cooling components.
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 solution effectively reduces operating temperatures, prevents ice and frost formation on the windshield, and eliminates the need for separate heating elements, thereby improving camera performance and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally conductive tape that extends around a peripheral lip of a mounting portion or surface of the camera module... and that interfaces with or engages or adheres to or thermally conductively connects to the in-cabin side of the vehicle windshield and that extends to or into the camera module housing to interface with or engage or adhere to or thermally conductively connect to the heat generating component
Implementation Method 2
a cooling system that controls a blower of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of the vehicle to force cooling air over one or more parts of the camera module to enhance cooling of the camera module
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular vision system includes a camera module mounted at an in-cabin side of a windshield of a vehicle. The camera module includes a windshield-interfacing portion that, with the camera module mounted at the in-cabin side of the windshield, interfaces with the in-cabin side of the windshield. A thermally conductive tape is disposed at the windshield-interfacing portion. A thermally conductive connecting element thermally conductively connects to (i) the thermally conductive tape and (ii) at least one component of the camera module. When electrically operated, the at least one component generates heat at an interior portion of the camera module and heat generated by the at least one component of the camera module is dissipated at the windshield of the vehicle via the thermally conductive connecting element and the thermally conductive tape.