Adjustable Air Scoop Channel for Exterior Imager Lens Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle imagers on exterior surfaces often face issues with dirty or blocked lenses due to precipitation, dirt, and other environmental factors, leading to blurry images or complete failure of the imager.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an imager with a lens, a housing, a moveable vent cover, a baffle, a channel, and a diverter, which directs fluid flow towards the lens to clean it, with an actuator and controller managing the vent cover's position based on vehicle speed and air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the imager is disposed on an exterior surface of the vehicle, then the imager can capture external scene information, but the lens becomes susceptible to dirt and precipitation blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the harmful airflow and precipitation that would normally contaminate the lens by redirecting them through a controlled path. The channel and diverter system converts the harmful direct exposure to precipitation and dirt into a beneficial controlled flow that actually cleans the lens surface, transforming the problem into a solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary cleaning system consisting of a channel, diverter, and airflow mechanism between the external environment and the lens. This intermediary system mediates the interaction between harmful external elements and the lens, allowing the lens to remain protected while still benefiting from external scene capture capability.
2Reliability
If a fixed vent cover is used to protect the inlet opening, then the housing is sealed, but fluid flow cannot be directed toward the lens for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a fixed vent cover with a moveable vent cover that can dynamically change position between open and closed states. This dynamic element allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements, providing both housing protection when closed and cleaning functionality when open, thus resolving the contradiction between seal integrity and cleaning capability.
3Ease of operation
If the moveable vent cover is always in the open position, then fluid flow can reach the lens for cleaning, but the housing is exposed to debris and the imager may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a channel as an intermediary structure between the inlet opening and the lens. This channel acts as a controlled passage that allows fluid flow to reach the lens for cleaning while preventing direct exposure of the housing and imager to external debris, thus resolving the contradiction between cleaning access and imager protection.
4Reliability
If the moveable vent cover is always in the closed position, then the housing is protected from debris, but no fluid flow reaches the lens for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a moveable vent cover that can dynamically transition between closed and open positions based on operational needs. When closed, it provides housing protection; when open, it enables cleaning flow. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for either protection or cleaning depending on the situation.
5Productivity
If high speed airflow is used to clean the lens, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the vent cover may not close properly at low speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in airflow velocity to control the operation of the moveable vent cover. At high speeds, the airflow provides effective cleaning; at low speeds, the reduced airflow allows the vent cover to close properly. This parameter-based control resolves the contradiction by adapting the system behavior to different operating conditions.
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 system effectively cleans the lens by directing fluid flow towards it, improving image clarity and ensuring the imager functions properly, even in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a diverter extending from the housing and configured to direct fluid exiting from the second end of the channel toward the lens
Implementation Method 2
a moveable vent cover configured to move between an open position and a closed position, and to at least partially cover the inlet opening when the moveable vent cover is in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises an imager having a lens; a housing supporting the imager and defining an inlet opening; a moveable vent cover configured to move between a first position and a second position; and a channel defined by a portion of the housing, the moveable vent cover, and a diverter, the channel configured to selectively direct an incoming fluid from the inlet opening defined by the moveable vent cover in the open position and the housing toward the lens. The system may further comprise a lens cover supported by the housing; the lens cover disposed to at least partially cover the lens.