Motor-Actuated Cleaning Arm for Vehicle Camera Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rear view cameras in vehicles often suffer from debris accumulation on their lenses, leading to obstructed views and increased vehicle costs due to washer nozzles, which can also dirty the vehicle after cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A camera cleaning system that uses a motor-actuated or spring-actuated cleaning arm to remove debris from the lens, integrated with gesture or biometric identification to automate the cleaning process, and a hydrophobic coating to enhance lens protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If washer nozzles are used to clean the camera lens, then the lens can be cleaned, but the vehicle may be dirtied after cleaning and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cleaning function from the washer nozzle system and implements it through a dedicated cleaning assembly with a cleaning arm and cleaning material that contacts only the lens cover, eliminating the need for washer nozzles and fluid reservoirs
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning assembly is designed to be self-contained, using its own cleaning material rather than relying on washer fluid from the vehicle's existing washing system, thereby avoiding the issue of dirt being redistributed to the vehicle body
2Reliability
If a cleaning assembly is integrated with the camera mounting, then the cleaning function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning assembly is merged with the camera mounting structure, where the cleaning arm is positioned adjacent to the lens cover and actuated by the same motor that controls camera movement, integrating two functions into one mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The motor serves dual purposes: it positions the camera for optimal viewing angles and simultaneously actuates the cleaning assembly to maintain lens cleanliness, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate actuators
3Ease of operation
If the camera is mounted on a moveable component, then the camera can be positioned optimally, but the cleaning mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning assembly is designed to operate in conjunction with the camera's moveable positioning, performing cleaning actions at predetermined positions during the camera's movement cycle, thereby utilizing the existing motion rather than requiring separate cleaning mechanisms
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 maintains a clear camera view, reduces vehicle costs by eliminating washer nozzles, and enhances customer satisfaction through improved functionality and reduced debris-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
The lens cover includes a hydrophobic coating
Data Source
AI summary
A camera cleaning system for a vehicle includes a camera including a lens cover and a motor. A cleaning assembly includes an arm including a cleaning material. The motor selectively adjusts a position of the arm and the cleaning material relative to the lens cover of the camera. The motor selectively adjusts a position of the arm and the cleaning material relative to vehicle from a first position to a second position. The camera selectively generates video signals when the camera is in the first position. The cleaning assembly is in contact with the lens cover when the camera is in the second position.