Vehicle Camera Cleaning Assembly With Lockable Replaceable Wiper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image recording devices on motor vehicles often fail to maintain a clean outer surface of their optical elements, leading to temporary or permanent loss of functionality, especially in conditions like rain or snow, which can compromise driver visibility and safety.
Innovation Solution
An image recording device with a built-in adjustable mechanism that allows for the introduction and locking of a cleaning device, such as a wiper, ensuring the optical element remains clean and preventing theft or loss by allowing the cleaning device to be easily replaced when worn or damaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning device is permanently fixed to the image recording device, then the optical element can be continuously cleaned, but the cleaning device cannot be easily replaced when worn or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is divided into a separate replaceable module that can be independently removed and replaced. The cleaning blade is configured as a distinct component that can be detached from the housing without damaging the image recording device, enabling easy maintenance while maintaining continuous cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed with movable walls that can shift between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic structure allows the cleaning device to be securely held during operation for reliable cleaning, while enabling easy removal when replacement is needed by simply moving the wall to unlock the engaging part.
2Ease of repair
If the cleaning device is made easily removable, then replacement is simple, but the cleaning device may be accidentally lost or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The housing incorporates movable walls that can transition between locked and unlocked states. During normal operation, the wall locks the cleaning device in place to prevent accidental loss or theft. When replacement is needed, the wall can be moved to unlock the engaging part, allowing simple removal without compromising security during use.
Solution Approach 2:
An engaging part acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cleaning device and the housing. This engaging part can be selectively locked or unlocked by the movable wall, providing a controlled interface that secures the cleaning device during operation while enabling easy replacement when needed.
3Reliability
If the image recording device has a fixed cleaning mechanism, then cleaning is always available, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning mechanism is segmented into a modular cleaning device that can be independently installed and removed. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure by allowing the cleaning function to be added or removed based on needs, rather than requiring a permanently integrated complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is designed to be easily replaceable by the user without requiring specialized tools or complex assembly procedures. The simple engaging part and movable wall mechanism allow users to perform maintenance themselves, reducing the need for complex service mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an image recording device for a body of a motor vehicle. The device comprises a housing part, an optical element having an outer surface, and a driving part for engaging an engaging part of a movable cleaning device. The movable cleaning device comprises furthermore a cleaning part, preferably formed by a wiper part, for at least partly cleaning the outer surface. The driving part is furthermore for driving the movable cleaning device to have the cleaning part at least partly clean the outer surface of the optical element. The image recording device is adjustable between a first condition in which the image recording device allows at least partly introducing or taking out the engaging part of the movable cleaning device and a second condition in which the image recording device prevents the engaging part of the movable cleaning device being taken out or being introduced.