Vehicular Camera Lens Vibration Layout for Compact Raindrop Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular cameras face challenges in efficiently removing foreign matters such as raindrops from lenses, leading to potential interference with imaging, while also facing increased costs and size due to separate configurations of coaxial and piezoelectric element connectors.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular camera design incorporating a piezoelectric element to vibrate lenses, separate configurations for coaxial and piezoelectric element connectors, and a shield member to prevent noise interference, while maintaining a compact size and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a piezoelectric element is added to remove foreign matters from the lens, then the cleaning function is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric element connector is nested within the housing structure, extending from the fourth end portion without protruding outward. The flexible substrate is routed through the housing to connect the piezoelectric element, utilizing existing internal spaces rather than adding external components. This nesting approach integrates the cleaning function into the existing camera structure without increasing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric element connector extends in a radial direction orthogonal to the optical axis, utilizing the radial dimension of the housing rather than extending along the optical axis. This dimensional approach allows the connector to be positioned outside the coaxial connector in the radial direction, optimizing space utilization without increasing the overall camera size.
2Reliability
If separate configurations are used for coaxial and piezoelectric element connectors, then the cleaning function is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is segmented into functionally independent components: the coaxial connector for power and image signal transmission, and the piezoelectric element connector for driving the piezoelectric element. This segmentation allows each connector to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized connection interfaces and separate assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible substrate acts as an intermediary component, providing electrical connections between the piezoelectric element and the piezoelectric element connector. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall assembly by allowing modular connection of the piezoelectric element to the housing structure without requiring direct integration with the coaxial connector system.
3Volume of moving object
If connectors are closely positioned, then the camera size is reduced, but noise interference affects imaging quality
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric element connector is positioned in the radial direction orthogonal to the optical axis, outside the coaxial connector. This spatial arrangement in the radial dimension maintains compact overall camera size while providing sufficient separation between connectors to minimize noise interference during imaging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible substrate serves as an intermediary that provides electrical connections while maintaining spatial separation between the piezoelectric element connector and the coaxial connector. This intermediary routing allows the connectors to be positioned optimally for both compactness and noise isolation.
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 removes foreign matters from lenses, prevents increases in camera size and cost, and ensures efficient imaging by separately configuring connectors and using a shield member to mitigate noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element disposed near the second end portion having the first tubular shape of the lens barrel and vibrating the at least one lens
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular camera includes a lens barrel including at least one lens disposed along an optical axis, an imaging element, a circuit board having a first surface on which the imaging element is disposed, a first housing accommodating at least the imaging element and the circuit board, a coaxial connector electrically connected to the circuit board and outputting an image signal from the imaging element to the outside. The vehicular camera includes a piezoelectric element disposed near the second end portion and vibrating the at least one lens, a flexible substrate connected to the piezoelectric element so as to be exposed to an inside of the first housing, and a piezoelectric element connector connected to the flexible substrate and extending from the flexible substrate to the fourth end portion of the first housing at a position outside the coaxial connector in a radial direction orthogonal to the optical axis.