Work Machine Camera Cleaning System Sensor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction machines with cameras face performance issues due to accumulation of particulates, dust, and moisture during operation of ground engagement tools, which affects image quality and camera performance.
Innovation Solution
A control system integrated with a camera and a cleaning system, where a controller receives input from sensors to determine operational states and conditions, such as wiper activation, runtime duration, image brightness, and particle/moisture levels, to autonomously initiate cleaning of the camera using cleaning fluids and wiper devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ground engagement tools are operated to perform construction work, then productivity is improved, but camera lens contamination increases due to particulates, dust, and moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of contamination conditions using sensors (optical sensors, moisture sensors, particle counters) before the contamination significantly degrades camera performance. The controller activates the cleaning system proactively based on sensor thresholds, preventing rather than merely reacting to image quality degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors camera lens contamination levels through optical sensors and environmental sensors, feeding this information back to the controller. The controller adjusts cleaning system operation based on real-time feedback from sensors, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal camera performance during construction operations.
2Reliability
If a cleaning system is activated to remove debris from the camera, then camera performance is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can clean the camera lens, and the same or similar mechanisms can potentially clean other sensors or optical surfaces on the work machine. The control system integrates multiple sensor types (optical, moisture, particle) into a single decision-making framework that manages the cleaning operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera cleaning system is designed to be self-regulating through automated sensor-based control. The optical sensors detect contamination on the lens, trigger the cleaning mechanism, and verify cleaning effectiveness without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own performance conditions and initiating appropriate maintenance actions.
3Illumination intensity
If continuous cleaning is performed to maintain clear images, then image quality is preserved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous cleaning, the system employs periodic cleaning cycles triggered by sensor-detecte d contamination events. The optical sensors monitor the lens surface continuously, and the cleaning mechanism activates only when contamination thresholds are exceeded, creating a periodic rather than continuous operation pattern that conserves energy while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system applies cleaning action selectively based on the actual contamination level detected by sensors. Rather than applying full cleaning power continuously, the system activates cleaning only when and where contamination is detected, using just enough cleaning action to restore optimal image quality without wasting energy on unnecessary cleaning cycles.
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
Maintains camera performance by effectively removing debris and moisture, ensuring clear images and prolonged camera functionality during machine operation.
Implementation Method 1
cleaning system at a camera position. The secondary wiper device is configured to wipe the camera lens in use of the work machine
Data Source
AI summary
Work machines, control systems for work machines, and methods of operating work machines are disclosed herein. A work machine includes a frame structure, a work implement, a camera, a cleaning system, and a control system. The work implement is coupled to the frame structure and includes at least one ground engagement tool configured for interaction with an underlying surface in use of the work machine. The camera is coupled to the frame structure and configured to provide camera input indicative of one or more images captured by the camera in use of the work machine. The cleaning system is coupled to the frame structure and configured to clean the camera in use of the work machine. The control system is coupled to the frame structure and includes a controller communicatively coupled to the camera and the cleaning system.