Vehicle Camera Lens Cleaning Modes for Lower Power Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle camera lens cleaning systems consume significant vehicle system power and are inefficient in certain conditions due to the use of compressed air for cleaning, which is not suitable for frequent lens cleaning needs.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle camera lens cleaning system that dynamically switches between air and liquid cleaning modes based on specific conditions, utilizing an air compressor and a liquid pump with actuatable valves and tubes to efficiently clean lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compressed air is used for lens cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the cleaning parameter from compressed air to liquid wash based on detected contamination levels, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining cleaning effectiveness when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system transitions from a static compressed air approach to a dynamic multi-mode system that adapts between air and liquid cleaning modes based on real-time sensor feedback
2Reliability
If compressed air system is used, then lens cleaning capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple cleaning functions (air cleaning and liquid washing) into a single unified system that can perform different cleaning operations based on conditions, reducing overall system complexity through functional integration
3Reliability
If frequent lens cleaning is performed, then cleaning reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to detect lens contamination levels and provides feedback to the control unit, which then activates cleaning only when necessary, reducing power consumption while maintaining cleaning reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous cleaning, the system performs periodic cleaning actions triggered by sensor detection of contamination, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining lens cleanliness when needed
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
Reduces power consumption and enhances cleaning efficiency by selectively using air and liquid cleaning methods tailored to different conditions, ensuring effective lens cleaning without excessive power usage.
Implementation Method 1
an air compressor configured to provide a supply of air to a pressurized air tank
Implementation Method 2
a pump configured to deliver liquid to a respective vehicle camera lens
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed to implement a vehicle camera lens cleaning systems that selectively utilize different cleaning modes for the vehicle camera lenses based upon various conditions. The different cleaning modes may be used on a per vehicle camera basis to provide specific types of cleaning to each of the vehicle cameras. The cleaning modes may include the use of air and/or liquid cleaning, which may be provided to each of the vehicle cameras independently.