In-Vehicle Camera Cover Blocker for Reflection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vehicle cameras face issues with unintended image reflection and fog clearance due to gaps between the camera cover and window glass, where increasing the cover size to prevent reflection would obstruct the driver's view and hinder fog clearance by air from defroster devices.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle camera design featuring a blocker secured to the window glass inside the cover, allowing air passage while blocking light reflection into the camera component, thus maintaining fog clearance without enlarging the cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the size of the cover is increased to prevent unintended image reflection, then the reflection control is improved, but the obstruction to the driver's field of view increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into two functional zones: a light-blocking portion that blocks reflected light to prevent unintended images, and a non-light-blocking portion that allows air passage for defroster functionality. This segmentation enables the cover to simultaneously prevent reflection and maintain fog clearance capability without increasing overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the cover have different optical properties: the light-blocking portion is positioned to block reflected light paths, while the non-light-blocking portion allows air flow. This local differentiation of properties enables the cover to perform multiple functions with optimized local characteristics rather than uniform design.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover size is increased to block reflected light, then reflection control is improved, but the field of view obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into light-blocking and non-light-blocking portions, where only the necessary light-blocking portion is positioned to prevent reflections. This selective segmentation blocks reflected light paths without requiring the entire cover to be enlarged, thereby maintaining the driver's field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-blocking property is applied locally only where needed to block specific reflected light paths, rather than making the entire cover larger. This localized application of light-blocking material prevents reflections while minimizing impact on the driver's view.
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
Effectively controls unintended image reflection and clears fog on the window glass without increasing the cover size, ensuring unobstructed driver views and efficient air passage for defroster functionality.
Implementation Method 1
blocking light passing through the gap and reflected into the camera component
Implementation Method 2
allow passage of air between the inside and the outside of the cover via the gap
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle camera including: a camera component that records out of the vehicle through a window glass; a cover that covers the camera component from the vehicle interior side, with a gap existing between the cover and the window glass; and a blocker that is secured to a vehicle interior-side surface of the window glass inside the cover and is configured to allow passage of air between the inside and the outside of the cover via the gap while blocking light passing through the gap and reflected into the camera component.