Vehicular Backup Camera Lens Cleaning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear-view camera systems struggle to effectively remove water droplets, dirt, mud, snow, and ice from the lens during inclement weather, leading to distorted images or complete obstruction, which compromises safety during critical driving situations like backing up and parking.
Innovation Solution
A lens cleaning system integrated with a vehicle, comprising a heating subsystem to melt ice and an air generating subsystem to clear water droplets and debris, both powered by the vehicle's battery and operated by momentary switches for convenient driver activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a water and air blower system is used to clear water droplets or dirt from the lens, then the cleaning effectiveness for light contaminants is improved, but the system fails to effectively remove snow and ice from the lens
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is designed to perform multiple functions by combining a heating element that melts ice and snow with a water/air blower that removes melted residue and loose contaminants. This multi-functional approach enables the single system to handle diverse environmental conditions including rain, snow, ice, and dirt accumulation on the lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of ice and snow on the lens by applying heat through the heating element, transforming solid ice/snow into liquid water that can then be removed by the air blower. This parameter change (temperature increase) enables effective cleaning in freezing conditions where the air blower alone would be insufficient.
2Reliability
If the lens cleaning system operates continuously to maintain clear views, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system operates periodically rather than continuously, activating the heating element and air blower only when contamination is detected or at scheduled intervals. This periodic operation maintains adequate view clarity while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation, allowing the vehicle battery to sustain cleaning functions throughout the day.
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 ensures clear camera views by effectively removing ice, water, dirt, and debris, enhancing safety by maintaining the functionality of rear-view cameras even in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the heating element operably connected to the battery by a first wiring... the first momentary switch in the first position enables the heating element to generate heat in the area surrounding the backup camera, thereby enabling the heating element to melt ice present on the lens of the backup camera
Implementation Method 2
the second momentary switch in the first position enables the air compressor to generate the airflow that flows out the outlet of the air compressor to permit the air nozzle to dispense generated air on the lens of the backup camera
Data Source
AI summary
A lens cleaning system to remove water droplets, ice, dirt or debris from a backup camera mounted to a vehicle is provided. The cleaning system includes a heating subsystem and air generating subsystem coupled to the vehicle to clean the camera's lens. The heating subsystem includes a tray coupled to the backup camera, a heating element disposed on the tray and positioned proximate the lens of the backup camera, the heating element operably connected to a battery by a first wiring, and a first momentary switch electrically coupled to the first wiring and designed to enable or disable the heating element. The first momentary switch is depressed to enable the heating element to generate heat in the area surrounding the backup camera, thereby enabling the heating element to melt ice present on the lens of the backup camera.