Ultrasonic Protection Panel Clearing for Optical Monitoring Fields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical monitoring systems, particularly in vehicles, face impaired vision due to precipitation such as rain, snow, condensation, or ice on protection panels, which can lead to delayed or missed capture of critical security information, compromising real-time monitoring and safety.

Innovation Solution

The protection panel of the optical monitoring apparatus is acoustically coupled with ultrasonic transducers that efficiently focus ultrasonic waves onto the visual or scanning field, optimizing cleaning by moving and evaporating humidity, using piezo-elements that produce frequencies between 0.5 and 5 MHz, and electrode configurations to produce specific wave patterns for effective cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protection panel is provided to protect the lens from precipitation, then the lens is protected from rain, snow, and ice, but the protection panel itself becomes impaired by precipitation such as condensation, rain, and snow accumulating on its surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens protectionVSAvoidprecipitation on protection panel

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies ultrasonic transducers that generate high-frequency mechanical vibrations on the protection panel surface. These vibrations create acoustic streaming and cavitation effects that actively remove precipitation, condensation, and ice buildup from the panel surface, maintaining optical clarity without compromising the protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the protection panel by introducing ultrasonic energy. The ultrasonic transducers alter the surface conditions through high-frequency oscillations, transforming the static protective surface into an dynamically active surface that repels and removes precipitation through acoustic radiation pressure and cavitation bubbles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If conventional wipers are used to clean the protection panel, then the panel can be cleaned, but difficulties occur with partial formation of ice or condensate that are not perceived by vehicle occupants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning functionVSAvoiddetection of ice and condensate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical wiper system with an ultrasonic vibration-based cleaning system. The ultrasonic transducers generate high-frequency oscillations that directly vibrate the protection panel surface, creating acoustic streaming and cavitation effects that remove precipitation without requiring mechanical contact, water spray, or detergent, thereby providing reliable detection and removal of ice and condensate formations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Illumination intensity

If the visual field of the camera is cleaned, then clear vision is achieved, but the cleaning effect may not be optimized for the specific region where precipitation most critically affects monitoring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual clarityVSAvoidcleaning efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies ultrasonic transducers specifically positioned to target the critical visual field region of the protection panel. By localizing the ultrasonic energy generation to the areas most critical for optical monitoring, the system optimizes cleaning efficiency where it is most needed, rather than uniformly treating the entire panel surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution ensures clear vision through the protection panel quickly, maintaining reliable monitoring even in adverse conditions by effectively removing precipitation and condensation, ensuring continuous, accurate data capture for safe vehicle control.

Implementation Method 1

the protection panel is acoustically coupled to at least one ultrasonic transducer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

the ultrasonic transducers, which are also referred to as ultrasonic probes, can be efficiently focused onto the visual field or the scanning field of the monitoring apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic heating: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 3

using piezo-elements that produce frequencies between 0.5 and 5 MHz

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11820337B2Optical monitoring device

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 ECHOVISTA ULTRASOUND SURFACE CLEANING LTD

AI summary

An optical monitoring system serves to monitor surroundings, having a monitoring apparatus, the visual or scanning field of which is captured by a lens, and a protection panel (112) which protects the lens from precipitation and covers at least the visual or scanning field of the monitoring apparatus. In order to avoid the signal quality of the monitoring apparatus being impaired by precipitation on the protection panel, it is proposed that the protection panel (12; 112; 218; 318) is acoustically coupled to at least one ultrasonic transducer (10). The optical monitoring system can be included into the control system of a vehicle for autonomous driving, wherein, overall, it is possible to obtain increased safety of the control system.