{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854225","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854225","title":"Imaging unit including a chassis and heat transfer member","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-06-16T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N","H04N"],"num_claims":15,"abstract":"An imaging unit includes a plurality of imaging devices configured to capture images of an object; a circuit substrate configured to generate image data based on the images captured by the imaging devices; a chassis that holds the imaging devices; and a heat transfer member including a contacting portion configured to contact an installed member in a case where the imaging unit is installed on the installed member. The heat transfer member contacts the chassis or the circuit substrate, and heat conductivity of the heat transfer member is greater than the heat conductivity of the chassis."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Imaging Unit Including a Chassis and Heat Transfer Member patent introduces an innovative solution to the problem of heat dissipation in imaging systems. The core innovation is the integration of a heat transfer member with the chassis of an imaging unit, designed to efficiently remove heat from critical components like imaging devices and circuit substrates. This design addresses the increasing challenges of thermal management in high-resolution and compact imaging systems, where overheating can lead to performance degradation and reduced lifespan.\n\nThe patent solves the problem of inefficient heat dissipation by utilizing a heat transfer member with higher thermal conductivity than the chassis. This member is strategically placed to contact either the chassis or the circuit substrate, providing a direct thermal pathway for heat to escape. This approach ensures that heat is efficiently transferred away from the imaging devices, maintaining a stable operating temperature and preventing overheating.\n\nThe key technical approach involves the selection of materials with high thermal conductivity for the heat transfer member and the optimization of the contact area between the member and the heat-generating components. This design allows for efficient heat transfer, reducing the risk of component failure and extending the operational lifespan of imaging systems.\n\nThe business value of this innovation lies in its ability to improve the reliability and performance of imaging systems. By effectively managing heat, the Imaging Unit Including a Chassis and Heat Transfer Member reduces downtime, lowers maintenance costs, and enhances image quality. This technology has potential applications in various industries, including medical imaging, industrial inspection, and consumer electronics.\n\nThe market opportunity for this patent is significant, as the demand for high-performance imaging systems continues to grow. The Imaging Unit Including a Chassis and Heat Transfer Member provides a competitive advantage by offering a robust and efficient thermal management solution, making it a valuable asset for companies developing and manufacturing imaging devices.","layman_explanation":"The Imaging Unit Including a Chassis and Heat Transfer Member patent addresses a common problem in modern imaging devices: overheating. As cameras and other imaging systems become more compact and powerful, they generate more heat, which can degrade performance and shorten their lifespan. This patent offers a solution by improving how heat is managed within these devices.\n\n**1. What Problem Does This Solve?**\nImaging devices, like those in smartphones, medical equipment, and industrial inspection systems, produce heat when they operate. If this heat isn't managed effectively, it can cause the device to malfunction, produce lower-quality images, or even break down entirely. Existing cooling methods, such as fans or simple heat sinks, are often insufficient for the demands of high-performance, compact devices. The Imaging Unit Including a Chassis and Heat Transfer Member provides a more efficient way to remove heat, preventing these issues.\n\n**2. How Does It Work?**\nInstead of relying on traditional cooling methods, this patent integrates a special component, called a heat transfer member, directly into the structure of the imaging unit. This heat transfer member is made of a material that's very good at conducting heat. It's positioned to be in close contact with the parts of the device that generate the most heat, such as the camera sensors and electronic circuits. Think of it like a super-efficient sponge that soaks up heat and moves it away from the sensitive components. The chassis, which is the frame or body of the device, also plays a role, but the heat transfer member is the key to quickly and effectively removing heat.\n\n**3. Why Does This Matter?**\nBy more effectively managing heat, this innovation offers several important benefits. First, it improves the reliability and longevity of imaging devices. By keeping the components cooler, it reduces the risk of damage and extends the device's lifespan. Second, it enhances image quality. Overheating can cause noise and distortion in images, so by maintaining a stable temperature, this technology ensures clearer and more accurate pictures. Finally, it enables the design of more compact and powerful imaging systems. With efficient heat management, engineers can pack more performance into smaller devices.\n\n**4. What's Next?**\nThe Imaging Unit Including a Chassis and Heat Transfer Member represents a significant step forward in thermal management for imaging technology. Future applications could involve even more advanced materials and designs to further improve heat dissipation. As imaging devices continue to evolve and become more integrated into various industries, this technology has the potential to become a standard component in high-performance systems. For investors, this patent highlights a growing need for efficient thermal management solutions in the electronics industry, presenting opportunities for companies specializing in materials science, thermal engineering, and imaging technology.","technical_analysis":"The Imaging Unit Including a Chassis and Heat Transfer Member patent details a method for improving thermal management within imaging devices. The system includes a plurality of imaging devices, a circuit substrate, a chassis, and a heat transfer member. The technical architecture centers around the heat transfer member's ability to conduct heat away from the imaging devices and the circuit substrate, which are primary heat sources. The heat transfer member's key characteristic is its higher thermal conductivity compared to the chassis material.\n\nThe implementation details involve the physical arrangement of the heat transfer member to ensure direct contact with either the chassis or the circuit substrate. This contact facilitates efficient heat transfer. The patent specifies that the heat transfer member is configured to contact an installed member, further aiding in heat dissipation. Material selection for the heat transfer member is critical, with materials like copper or aluminum being suitable choices due to their high thermal conductivity.\n\nThe algorithm specifics are not explicitly detailed, but the underlying principle relies on Fourier's law of heat conduction, which states that the rate of heat transfer is proportional to the temperature gradient and the thermal conductivity of the material. The system aims to maximize the temperature gradient between the heat sources and the surrounding environment while utilizing a material with high thermal conductivity for efficient heat transfer.\n\nThe integration patterns involve incorporating the heat transfer member into the existing chassis design. This requires careful consideration of the mechanical interface to ensure proper contact and thermal conductivity. Performance characteristics are improved by reducing the operating temperature of the imaging devices and the circuit substrate, leading to enhanced stability and longevity.\n\nCode-level implications are minimal, as this is primarily a hardware solution. However, software monitoring of temperature sensors could be integrated to provide feedback and control mechanisms. Overall, the Imaging Unit Including a Chassis and Heat Transfer Member offers a practical and effective approach to thermal management in imaging systems, addressing a critical need for high-performance and reliable imaging devices.","business_analysis":"The Imaging Unit Including a Chassis and Heat Transfer Member patent presents significant business opportunities within the imaging technology sector. The market opportunity size is substantial, driven by the increasing demand for high-resolution and compact imaging systems across various industries, including medical imaging, industrial inspection, consumer electronics, and security surveillance.\n\nThe competitive advantages stem from the patent's innovative approach to thermal management. By integrating a heat transfer member with higher thermal conductivity than the chassis, the system efficiently dissipates heat, leading to improved performance, reliability, and longevity of imaging devices. This provides a competitive edge over traditional cooling methods, such as fans and heat sinks, which are often less efficient and more bulky.\n\nThe revenue potential is significant, as the technology can be licensed to imaging device manufacturers or incorporated into proprietary imaging systems. The business model can involve licensing fees, royalties, or direct sales of imaging units incorporating the patented technology. Strategic positioning involves targeting markets where high-performance and reliable imaging are critical, such as medical diagnostics and industrial quality control.\n\nROI projections are favorable, as the technology reduces downtime, lowers maintenance costs, and enhances image quality, leading to increased customer satisfaction and repeat business. Furthermore, the patent protection provides a barrier to entry for competitors, ensuring a sustainable competitive advantage.\n\nIn summary, the Imaging Unit Including a Chassis and Heat Transfer Member patent offers a compelling business proposition with a large market opportunity, strong competitive advantages, significant revenue potential, and favorable ROI projections. This makes it an attractive investment for companies seeking to capitalize on the growing demand for high-performance imaging technology.","faqs":null,"topics":["imaging unit","heat transfer","thermal management","cooling system","patent"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Imaging Unit with Chassis and Heat Transfer - US-9854225","description":"Discover the Imaging Unit Including a Chassis and Heat Transfer Member patent for efficient cooling. Full patent analysis, claims, and technical details available.","keywords":["imaging unit","heat transfer","thermal management","cooling system","patent","patent US-9854225"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854225","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854225","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Imaging unit including a chassis and heat transfer member\" (US-9854225). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854225","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854225","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854225","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T01:53:11.063Z"}