Integrated Camera Cleaner Layout for Wide-Angle Lens Deicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle camera cleaning systems face challenges with installation workability, space efficiency, and performance, particularly when dealing with wide-angle lenses and adverse weather conditions, as they often require separate components and may not effectively remove ice and mud without reducing the service life of the compressed air generation unit.
Innovation Solution
A cleaner system where the high-pressure air generation unit is integrated with the bracket supporting the camera, allowing for efficient component layout, reduced part count, and a nozzle position that avoids the camera's capture image, while also incorporating a control unit to prevent foreign object adhesion and extend service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the compressed air generation unit and nozzle are configured separately from the in-vehicle camera, then the cleaning function can be provided, but the installation workability deteriorates and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the compressed air generation unit directly into the bracket that supports the in-vehicle camera. This merging of components reduces the total number of separate parts, simplifies installation procedures, and improves overall installation workability while maintaining the cleaning function
2Volume of moving object
If the compressed air generation unit and nozzle are configured separately from the in-vehicle camera, then the cleaning function can be provided, but space saving is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the compressed air generation unit into the camera support bracket, the patent eliminates the need for separate mounting spaces for the generation unit and nozzle. This consolidation significantly improves space saving in the vehicle while the layout within the bracket remains simple and manageable
3Productivity
If the nozzle is positioned to improve cleaning performance, then foreign object removal is enhanced, but the nozzle may appear in the camera capture image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the nozzle at a specific location on the bracket where it can effectively clean the camera lens while remaining outside the camera's field of view. This localized positioning achieves both cleaning performance and image quality requirements
4Productivity
If the compressed air generation unit operates constantly to remove ice and snow, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the service life is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a control unit that activates the compressed air generation unit only when needed, such as when ice or snow is detected on the camera lens. This periodic operation rather than continuous operation maintains cleaning effectiveness while significantly extending the service life of the generation unit
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
Improves installation workability, saves space, enhances cleaning performance for wide-angle lenses, and extends the service life of the system by efficiently removing foreign objects and preventing adhesion, even in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a compression chamber for compressing air and discharging the high-pressure air to the nozzle side
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle configured to inject the high-pressure air toward a cleaning surface of the object to be cleaned
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaner for cleaning an object to be cleaned includes a generation unit configured to generate high-pressure air, a nozzle configured to inject the high-pressure air toward a cleaning surface of the object to be cleaned, and a control unit configured to control an injection of the high-pressure air. Even when foreign objects do not adhere to the cleaning surface, the control unit executes an operation mode in which the high-pressure air is generated and injected when a predetermined condition is satisfied.