Adaptive Cleaning Device for Image Capturing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image capturing apparatuses with integrated cleaning devices face inefficiencies due to a lack of control over cleaning levels based on the amount and condition of adherents on the translucent body, leading to either excessive or insufficient cleaning, resulting in unnecessary resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a controller that evaluates electrical characteristic values detected by a monitor, using determination criteria to adjust the level of cleaning by controlling a vibrator and potentially a cleaning solution discharge, ensuring appropriate cleaning based on the amount and condition of adherents on the translucent body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cleaning process is set for a state where the amount and condition of adherents on the translucent body is severe, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but unnecessary discharge of cleaning solution and consumption of electric power occurs when adherents are light
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device dynamically adjusts the cleaning level by switching between first cleaning level (weaker vibration) and second cleaning level (stronger vibration) based on real-time detection of adherent conditions. The controller monitors vibration characteristics and automatically selects the appropriate cleaning intensity, making the system adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from vibration detection to control the cleaning process. The detector monitors vibration characteristics during cleaning, and the controller adjusts the vibrator's operation based on this feedback. This closed-loop control ensures cleaning effectiveness while preventing excessive cleaning and energy waste.
2Loss of energy
If the cleaning process is set for a state where the amount and condition of adherents on the translucent body is light, then electric power consumption is reduced, but the translucent body is not sufficiently cleaned when adherents are severe
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device transitions from a static cleaning mode to a dynamic multi-level cleaning system. It can switch between first cleaning level (weaker vibration for light adherents) and second cleaning level (stronger vibration for severe adherents), ensuring adequate cleaning effectiveness while optimizing energy consumption based on actual conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration detector provides continuous feedback during the cleaning process, allowing the controller to monitor whether cleaning is effective. If adherents are not being removed sufficiently, the system can increase cleaning intensity. This feedback mechanism prevents both insufficient cleaning and excessive energy consumption.
3Device complexity
If a single cleaning level is used for all conditions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different adherent conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning control system is made dynamic by introducing multiple cleaning levels (first and second cleaning levels) that can be switched based on detected conditions. The controller automatically selects the appropriate cleaning intensity, providing adaptability without requiring complex manual intervention or overly complicated hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple vibration detection feedback to automatically adapt to different adherent conditions. The detector monitors vibration characteristics, and the controller adjusts the cleaning level accordingly. This feedback-based approach provides high adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 reduces excessive or insufficient cleaning by dynamically adjusting the cleaning level, optimizing resource usage and ensuring effective removal of adherents, thereby improving the cleaning process for image capturing apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrator configured to vibrate the translucent body
Implementation Method 2
a monitor configured to detect an electrical characteristic value associated with a vibration of the vibrator
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device includes a casing holding an image capturing device, a protective cover disposed in a visual field of the image capturing device, a vibrator to vibrate the protective cover, a controller to control the vibrator, a monitor to detect an electrical characteristic value associated with a vibration of the vibrator, and a storage to store determination criteria based on which the controller evaluates the electrical characteristic value detected by the monitor. The controller is configured to evaluate the electrical characteristic value based on the plurality of determination criteria stored in the storage and clean a surface of the translucent body by controlling the vibrator according to the determination.