Motor Vehicle Camera Module Deflection Element for Lens Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera modules for motor vehicles inadequately clean convex lens surfaces due to 'dead water areas' and 'spray shadows' caused by fluid jets, leading to incomplete lens cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A camera module with a deflection element that redirects the fluid jet to ensure complete coverage of the lens surface, combined with a flap for protection and a compact, modular cleaning device that can be coupled with the drive unit for improved positioning and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If nozzles are arranged in the immediate vicinity of the lens for cleaning, then the cleaning device is compact, but dead water areas and spray shadows occur on convex lens surfaces resulting in insufficient cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
A deflection element is introduced as an intermediary component between the cleaning nozzle and the lens. This deflection element redirects the fluid jet to reach areas that would otherwise be in dead water zones or spray shadows, thereby improving cleaning completeness without requiring complex multi-nozzle arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning approach is enhanced by adding a spatial dimension through the deflection element, which redirects the fluid jet at different angles to cover the convex lens surface more comprehensively, transforming a single-direction spray into a multi-directional cleaning action
2Reliability
If the camera unit is movable between passive and active positions, then the camera can be protected when not in use, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A flap is used to cover and protect the camera unit in the passive position. This thin, flexible protective element provides effective shielding against external influences while adding minimal structural complexity to the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The camera unit is designed with movable capability between passive and active positions through a drive unit. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt its state based on operational requirements, providing protection when stationary and functionality when active
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 achieves thorough and efficient cleaning of the lens surface, preventing dead water areas and enhancing the overall cleaning quality while protecting the camera unit and extending its service life.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning device for cleaning the lens of the camera unit with a fluid jet
Implementation Method 2
the camera module having a deflection element for deflecting the fluid jet onto the lens
Data Source
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AI summary
Camera module for a motor vehicle having a camera unit (101) with a camera (103) and a lens (105), wherein the camera unit (101) is arranged in a housing, and wherein the camera unit (101) is designed to be movable between a passive position, in which the camera unit (101) is arranged at least partially in the housing, and an active position, in which the camera unit (101) serves to visually detect an outer area of a motor vehicle, and with a drive unit which is coupled to the camera unit (101) and is designed to move the camera unit (101) between the passive position and the active position, and with a cleaning device (113) for cleaning the lens (105) of the camera unit (101) with a jet of fluid, wherein the camera module has a deflection element (115) for deflecting the jet of fluid onto the lens (105).