Exterior Camera Housing Rotation and Retraction for Lens Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exterior camera systems have limited ability to provide wide side and rear views and are prone to damage due to protrusion, and they lack effective lens cleaning mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An exterior camera system with a rotatable and extendable camera module that includes a wiper configuration within the housing for lens cleaning, controlled by a controller that adjusts the rotation angle and extension based on vehicle conditions, using a gear unit and actuator for synchronized motion, and a washer fluid system for contamination removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the exterior camera protrudes outward to provide wide views, then the field of view is improved, but the camera becomes vulnerable to physical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is designed to dynamically change its position between protruding and retracted states based on driving conditions. The controller adjusts the protrusion amount according to vehicle speed and steering angle, allowing the camera to provide wide views when needed while minimizing exposure to damage during normal driving
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module is nested within the housing structure, allowing it to be inserted into and retracted from the housing. This nested configuration enables the camera to be protected inside the housing while maintaining the capability to protrude outward for wide-angle viewing when required
2Reliability
If the exterior camera is inserted into the housing to minimize protrusion, then camera protection is improved, but the field of view is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the camera's protrusion state based on real-time driving conditions including vehicle speed and steering angle. During normal driving, the camera remains retracted for protection, but automatically protrudes when wide viewing angles are needed for lane changes or parking maneuvers
3Area of moving object
If the camera module protrudes to provide wide views, then visibility is improved, but aerodynamic drag increases reducing fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module dynamically adjusts its protrusion based on vehicle speed. At high speeds where aerodynamic drag significantly impacts fuel efficiency, the camera remains retracted to minimize drag. At lower speeds where visibility is prioritized, the camera can protrude without excessive energy penalty
Solution Approach 2:
The camera alternates between protruding and retracted states based on periodic assessment of driving conditions, only protruding when absolutely necessary for safety-critical viewing situations, thereby minimizing the overall aerodynamic drag and energy consumption
4Reliability
If a lens cleaning mechanism is added to the camera system, then lens cleanliness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper mechanism is merged with the existing camera housing structure, utilizing the same actuator that controls camera protrusion and retraction. The washer fluid nozzle is integrated into the housing, allowing cleaning functionality to be added without requiring separate actuators or complex additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator that controls camera protrusion and retraction is also used to operate the wiper mechanism. This multi-functional actuator design allows a single component to perform multiple functions, reducing the overall number of parts and simplifying the system while still providing effective lens cleaning capability
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
Enhances visibility by providing clearer side and rear views, protects the camera from damage by minimizing protrusion, and improves fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag, while effectively cleaning the camera lens based on contamination levels and driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a wiper configured to remove a contaminant from the lens of the camera module
Implementation Method 2
a washer fluid nozzle configured to spray the washer fluid onto the lens of the camera module
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior camera system and a cleaning method thereof are provided. The exterior camera system includes a base unit that is fixed to a vehicle, a housing rotatably coupled with the base unit, and an imaging device including a camera module and having at least a portion inserted into the housing to move in a longitudinal direction of the housing. A wiper is disposed on an inside surface of the housing to face the camera module, and a washer fluid nozzle is disposed adjacent to the wiper. A controller receives a video from the camera module to set a rotation angle of the housing based upon driving conditions of the vehicle and to adjust extension of the imaging device.