Vehicle Camera Module Sealed Front Cover Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle camera lenses are prone to dirt and environmental damage, limiting their viewing range and requiring frequent cleaning, which can be inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A camera module with a cylindrical front cover receiver and a transparent front cover that seals the camera lens, featuring a water-repellent and antireflection coating, and an aerodynamic design for self-cleaning, securely attached to the housing section using a collar bushing and O-ring for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning system is integrated to clean the camera lens, then the camera lens can be cleaned at regular intervals, but the device complexity increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cleaning system from the camera module by placing the camera lens inside a sealed housing that is integrated into the outer mirror assembly. The camera lens is extracted from its vulnerable position and protected within the mirror housing, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms while maintaining lens cleanliness through the sealed environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module is merged with the outer mirror assembly, combining two functions into a single integrated unit. The camera housing is formed as part of the mirror housing structure, and the camera lens is positioned within the mirror assembly's sealed environment, eliminating the need for separate cleaning systems.
2Ease of operation
If the camera lens is exposed to environmental effects, then the viewing range can be maintained, but dirt accumulation limits the viewing range and requires frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a transparent seal (flexible shell) that covers the camera lens opening while allowing light to pass through. This seal forms part of the closed housing structure, protecting the camera lens from dirt and environmental contaminants while maintaining the viewing range. The transparent nature of the seal ensures optical performance is not compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed housing structure provides preliminary protection against dirt accumulation before it can affect the camera lens. By creating a closed environment around the lens, the design prevents contaminants from reaching the lens surface, eliminating the need for frequent cleaning while maintaining viewing range.
3Reliability
If a front cover is added to protect the camera lens, then the camera lens is protected from environmental effects, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera housing is merged with the outer mirror housing to form a single integrated structure. The camera lens is positioned within the mirror assembly's sealed environment, and the housing walls serve dual purposes as both structural support and protective enclosure, eliminating the need for separate front covers or protective elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer mirror housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the mirror assembly, creates a sealed environment for the camera lens, and acts as the protective enclosure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional protective components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining lens protection.
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 camera module effectively prevents dirt accumulation and damage, maintains image quality, and allows for aerodynamic self-cleaning, ensuring continuous and reliable environmental monitoring for vehicle assistance systems.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a water-repellent and antireflection coating
Implementation Method 2
featuring a water-repellent and antireflection coating
Implementation Method 3
The front cover can be exposed to environmental effects and can advantageously be cleaned aerodynamically due to its shape
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a camera module (100) for a vehicle. The camera module (100) has a housing section (105) with a camera lens (110) and is characterized in that the camera module (100) contains a cylindrical front cover receiver (115) surrounding the housing section (105) that extends beyond the camera lens (110). A transparent front cover (120) for the camera lens (110) is received in the front cover receiver (115). The front cover (120) has an outer surface (125) that can be exposed to environmental effects.