Motor Vehicle Camera Lens Cleaning with Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems for motor vehicles face challenges in reliably and securely removing deposits such as ice, snow, water drops, and contaminants like dust, oil, and fat from camera lenses without causing thermal shock or damage, especially since the lenses can heat up during operation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a cleaning device that applies a cleaning liquid to the camera lens using a washing device, with temperature sensing to determine when the lens has cooled below a threshold, combined with a heating device to remove ice and liquid drops, and a contaminant recognition system to ensure safe application of the cleaning liquid, preventing thermal shock and lens damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning liquid is applied to the lens to remove contaminants, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the lens may be damaged by thermal shock if the lens is hot
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature measurement of the lens before applying cleaning liquid. Based on the measured temperature, the control unit decides whether to preheat the cleaning liquid or delay its application, preventing thermal shock before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the cleaning liquid to match the lens temperature. The heating device for the cleaning liquid adjusts its output to raise the cleaning liquid temperature when the lens is hot, eliminating the temperature difference that causes thermal shock
2Reliability
If the lens is heated to remove ice and water drops, then the removal of frozen deposits is improved, but the lens temperature increases which may prevent subsequent cleaning liquid application
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device for the lens operates continuously or in cycles to maintain the lens temperature in an optimal range. After removing ice and water drops, the system continues monitoring and adjusting the heating to ensure the lens cools down appropriately before cleaning liquid application, enabling continuous effective operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously receives temperature feedback from the lens temperature sensor and adjusts the heating device operation accordingly. When the lens temperature reaches a safe level for cleaning liquid application, the control unit automatically stops or reduces heating, enabling timely transition to the cleaning phase
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 method ensures secure and reliable removal of deposits from camera lenses by synchronizing the application of cleaning liquid with the lens temperature, preventing damage and effectively removing contaminants and ice/snow, while avoiding thermal shock.
Implementation Method 1
the lens is warmed by means of a heating device for removing the ice and/or the liquid drops
Implementation Method 2
a cleaning liquid is applied to the lens by means of a washing device for removing the contaminant
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for removing deposits on a lens (11) of a camera (9) of a motor vehicle (1), in which a contaminant present on the lens (11) is removed as the deposit, wherein a cleaning liquid (13) is applied to the lens by means of a washing device (12) for removing the contaminant, wherein a temperature of the lens (11) is determined and the application of the cleaning liquid (13) to the lens (11) is performed depending on the determined temperature.