Vehicle Camera Lens Duct for Debris Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera systems in vehicles face challenges in maintaining lens clarity in wet and dirty environments due to exposure to moisture and debris, which can obscure the camera's view and affect its functionality.
Innovation Solution
A camera system design that includes a duct within the vehicle's body, directing a clean airstream from a channel to a debris region covering the lens, using an airstream flowable around the vehicle's frame to displace contaminants and maintain lens clarity, with optional components like an air mover or piezoelectric actuator to enhance airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the camera lens protrudes from the cavity to monitor exterior conditions, then the camera can capture images and data, but the lens is exposed to moisture and debris that can obscure the view
Solution Approach 1:
A duct system acts as an intermediary structure, channeling clean airflow from the vehicle's exterior through the cavity to the lens surface. This intermediary airflow barrier prevents direct contact between contaminants and the lens, resolving the contradiction between exposure for monitoring and protection from contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by employing vehicle airflow (airstream) to create a protective flow field around the lens. The duct directs this pneumatic flow to continuously clear the lens surface, maintaining optical clarity while the lens remains exposed for exterior monitoring
2Object-affected harmful factors
If protective coatings or wipers are added to protect the lens, then lens clarity is maintained, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The duct system leverages the vehicle's existing airflow (airstream) that would otherwise be wasted, giving it a dual function: aerodynamic flow around the vehicle and lens cleaning mechanism. This multi-functionality protects the lens without adding complex dedicated protection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system utilizes the vehicle's own motion-generated airflow to protect its lens. The system is self-servicing, using the vehicle's operational characteristics (moving through air) to automatically clear contaminants from the lens without requiring additional power or complex mechanisms
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the lens is retracted into the cavity for protection, then contamination is reduced, but the camera cannot monitor exterior conditions effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The duct system serves as an intermediary protective structure that allows the lens to remain in its optimal monitoring position (protruding from cavity) while introducing a protective element (directed airflow) between the lens and contaminants, eliminating the need to retract
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 effectively shields the lens from debris and moisture, ensuring clear vision and operational integrity of the camera system even in adverse conditions without the need for wipers or protective coatings, while being compact and economical to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
The duct is configured for directing a stream of air through the channel from the first end to a debris region covering the lens
Data Source
AI summary
A camera system for a vehicle includes a body defining a cavity therein, and a camera including a lens. The camera is disposed in a deployed position such that the lens protrudes from the cavity. The camera system includes a debris region covering the lens and a duct disposed within the cavity. The duct defines a channel therein and has a first end spaced apart from the camera and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The duct is configured for directing an airstream through the channel from the first end to the debris region. A vehicle including the camera system is also disclosed.