Onboard Camera Cleaning Nozzle Extension Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning apparatuses for onboard camera lenses face challenges in maintaining a compact design while ensuring effective cleaning, as they require large air nozzles to increase jetting force, leading to increased dimensions and complex mounting issues.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with a switching valve that controls the simultaneous operation of water and air pumps, using a single housing for both fluid and gas passages, and separate nozzles for water and air discharge, allowing for efficient extension and retraction of nozzles to enhance cleaning effectiveness without increasing apparatus size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the inner diameter of the air nozzle is decreased to increase jetting force, then the jetting strength of air increases, but the jetting range of air decreases and the capacity of the air nozzle must be increased, leading to increased dimensions of the cleaning apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The air nozzle is designed to extend and retract dynamically. During air jetting operation, the nozzle extends to provide a longer jetting range and stronger cleaning effect. When not in use, the nozzle retracts to minimize the overall dimensions of the cleaning apparatus, allowing for compact mounting on vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a static nozzle design to a dynamic one that changes its effective length dimension. By extending the nozzle only when needed for air jetting, the system achieves strong jetting performance with extended range while maintaining compact storage dimensions, effectively utilizing temporal dimensionality change.
2Force
If the capacity of the air nozzle is increased to maintain jetting range, then the jetting strength can be maintained, but the dimensions of the cleaning apparatus increase, deteriorating mountability
Solution Approach 1:
The air nozzle is designed to extend and retract dynamically. During air jetting operation, the nozzle extends to provide a longer jetting range and stronger cleaning effect. When not in use, the nozzle retracts to minimize the overall dimensions of the cleaning apparatus, allowing for compact mounting on vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic pressure to drive both the air jetting function and the extension/retraction mechanism of the nozzle. The high-pressure air supply serves dual purposes: providing the cleaning jet and actuating the nozzle extension, eliminating the need for separate mechanical actuation systems and reducing overall complexity.
3Device complexity
If a single nozzle is used for both water and air discharge, then the device structure is simplified, but the cleaning effectiveness is reduced compared to separate nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge mechanism is segmented into separate water discharge nozzle and air discharge nozzle. This segmentation allows each nozzle to be optimized for its specific function - the water nozzle for washing and the air nozzle for drying - thereby maintaining high cleaning effectiveness while the overall system remains integrated and compact.
Solution Approach 2:
Different nozzles are provided for water and air discharge, with each nozzle having local optimizations suited to its specific medium. The water nozzle is designed for effective liquid discharge and washing, while the air nozzle is designed for strong air jetting and drying, ensuring optimal performance for each cleaning stage.
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 solution allows for effective removal of cleaning water from camera lenses using compressed air, maintaining a compact design and improving mountability by ensuring separate and efficient operation of water and air discharge mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a first surface which faces the fluid passage to receive a fluid pressure from the fluid passage
Implementation Method 2
a second surface which faces the gas passage to receive a gas pressure from the gas passage
Implementation Method 3
a fluid pump supplying the fluid stored at the fluid tank to the fluid discharge portion via a fluid passage
Implementation Method 4
a gas pump supplying gas to the gas discharge portion via a gas passage
Implementation Method 5
the nozzle is elongated with the pressure of the cleaning liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus includes a fluid discharge portion discharging fluid to a cleaning object, a gas discharge portion jetting gas to the cleaning object, a fluid tank, a fluid pump supplying the fluid via a fluid passage, a gas pump supplying gas via a gas passage, a control unit, a housing at which a part of the fluid passage and a part of the gas passage are provided, and a valve element switchable between a closed position at which the gas passage is blocked and an open position at which the gas passage is opened, the valve element including a first surface receiving a fluid pressure in a direction where the valve element is brought to the closed position and including a second surface receiving a gas pressure in a direction where the valve element is brought to the open position in a state where the valve element is closed.