Integrated Camera Nozzle Assembly for Compact Lens Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Exterior cameras on vehicles are prone to obstruction by dust, mud, snow, and ice, which can impair their functionality, especially in semi-autonomous and autonomous operations, necessitating an automated and compact cleaning system that is visually unobtrusive.
Innovation Solution
A camera nozzle assembly comprising a bracket mount and a nozzle assembly with a spray nozzle and air duct, discharging cleaning liquid and compressed air at a shallow angle to remove foreign matter from the camera lens, offering flexibility in orientation and attachment options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact cleaning system is used, then the system size is reduced and visual obtrusiveness is minimized, but the cleaning effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzle is positioned inside the air duct, with the spray outlet surrounded by the air duct structure. This nested configuration allows the cleaning system to maintain both compact size and effective cleaning coverage by integrating multiple functional elements within a confined space
Solution Approach 2:
The air duct and spray nozzle are combined into a single integrated assembly where the air duct serves both as a structural housing and as a component that directs compressed air. This merging of functions reduces overall system size while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through coordinated air and liquid discharge
2Reliability
If the spray nozzle is centrally positioned, then the cleaning coverage is optimized, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air duct serves multiple functions: it houses the spray nozzle, directs compressed air onto the lens, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality allows central positioning of the spray nozzle for optimal coverage without proportionally increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The air duct is divided into a body portion and a cap portion that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly of the centrally positioned nozzle structure, reducing the practical complexity despite the optimized central configuration
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 matter from camera lenses of various exterior camera types, ensuring continuous operation and maintaining driver situational awareness without being visually obtrusive.
Implementation Method 1
The air duct discharges compressed air, each being discharged at a shallow angle relative to a camera lens
Implementation Method 2
The spray nozzle discharges a cleaning liquid
Implementation Method 3
The cleaning liquid and the compressed air cooperate to remove foreign matter from the exterior surface of the camera lens
Data Source
AI summary
A camera nozzle assembly (100) for cleaning a camera lens is provided. The camera nozzle assembly includes a bracket mount (110) and a nozzle assembly (120). The bracket mount includes a camera aperture (146) for the camera lens and can be mounted to a vehicle. The nozzle assembly is joined to the bracket mount and includes a spray nozzle (160) and an air duct (154). The spray nozzle discharges a cleaning liquid, and the air duct discharges compressed air, each being discharged at a shallow angle relative to a camera lens. The cleaning liquid and the compressed air cooperate to remove foreign matter from the exterior surface of the camera lens, optionally for front-bumper cameras, side-view cameras, rear-bumper cameras, and cameras for semi-autonomous and autonomous operation of passenger vehicles, trucks, buses, and commercial vehicles.