Camera Arm Air Channel Layout for Passive Lens Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems on vehicles face challenges in reliably cleaning the camera lens while the vehicle is in motion, as the airflow exiting the camera system is often deflected away from the lens, leaving impurities like water drops unremoved.
Innovation Solution
A camera arm system with a passive camera cleaning component that includes an inlet opening facing the driving direction, an outlet opening positioned to direct airflow towards the camera lens, and an air guiding channel that utilizes the vehicle's airstream and suction effect to create a cleaning airflow directed towards the lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a passive cleaning component with an outlet opening is used to blow the camera lens free of impurities, then the cleaning function is provided without moving parts or actuators, but the airflow exiting the outlet opening is deflected away from the camera lens during driving, resulting in remaining impurities on the lens
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet opening is oriented perpendicular to the driving direction (laterally outward) rather than directly toward the lens, creating a multi-dimensional airflow pattern. The cleaning effect is achieved through the combination of lateral airflow and the suction effect generated by the camera arm's aerodynamic shape, rather than direct frontal airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera arm's aerodynamic shape acts as an intermediary that generates a suction effect, drawing the airflow from the outlet opening toward the camera lens. This intermediary mechanism overcomes the deflection problem by using the vehicle's motion and aerodynamic properties to create the necessary suction force.
2Reliability
If the outlet opening directs airflow perpendicular to the driving direction to account for suction effect, then the cleaning airflow can reach the lens during driving, but the airflow must be precisely oriented to achieve the cleaning effect
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet opening's orientation parameter is specifically set to be perpendicular to the driving direction, and the camera arm's aerodynamic shape is designed with specific geometric parameters to generate the required suction effect. These parameter changes ensure that the airflow dynamics during driving create the necessary cleaning effect without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If active cleaning components with moving parts are used, then reliable cleaning can be achieved, but the component effort increases and the solution becomes more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's own motion and aerodynamic properties to generate the cleaning airflow. The camera arm's shape creates a suction effect that automatically draws air through the outlet opening and onto the lens during driving, eliminating the need for external power sources, motors, or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning mechanism is based entirely on pneumatic principles, utilizing air flow generated by the vehicle's motion and the aerodynamic suction effect. This pneumatic approach replaces mechanical cleaning components with a fluid-based system that is simpler and more reliable.
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 camera arm system effectively cleans the camera lens under driving conditions without requiring additional electrical components, ensuring reliable operation and maintaining driving safety by consistently removing impurities from the lens.
Implementation Method 1
an air guiding channel connecting inlet opening with outlet opening providing a cleaning air flow resulting from an interference of the air flow let out of the outlet opening and a suction effect towards the camera lens when the vehicle is driven
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a camera arm adapted for an exterior camera arm system to be mounted on an exterior side of a vehicle comprising a recess provided for receiving a camera with an outer camera lens being part of or protruding from a recess surrounding outer surface of the camera arm, wherein the camera arm comprises a passive camera cleaning component established by an inlet opening facing towards a driving direction of the vehicle when being mounted to the vehicle, an outlet opening adapted to face the camera lens of the camera when received in the recess and an air guiding channel connecting inlet opening with outlet opening to guide an air flow caused by an airstream when driving the vehicle, the outlet opening being adapted to let out the air flow across the recess surrounding outer surface in a flow direction with a main directional component being directed substantially perpendicular to the driving direction of the vehicle, where the camera arm is suitably shaped to provide a suction effect to the air flow in the opposite direction of the driving direction when driving the vehicle, where a cleaning air flow resulting from an interference of the air flow let out of the outlet opening and the provided suction effect is directed towards the camera lens of the camera being received in the recess when the vehicle is driven.