Vehicle Camera Washing System Gravity Drainage Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic washing systems for vehicle cameras face issues such as fluid leakage, splashing of cleaning fluid on drivers or passersby, and frequent refilling due to lack of fluid recycling, especially with side cameras on trucks that are difficult to access and require manual handling.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle washing system with a housing attached to a cleaning fluid storage tank, where used fluid drains back into the tank under gravity, eliminating the need for external refilling and reducing splashing, featuring a non-return valve and a movable trap for camera positioning that adjusts based on vehicle operation state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the cleaning fluid container is arranged on the lower frame at wheel height, then the system structure is simplified, but cleaning fluid may leak and cause major consequences due to routing inside the cabin near electrical cables
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning fluid container is extracted from the lower frame and relocated to the housing that is directly attached to or integral with the tank, positioning it near the camera at the upper part of the cabin. This extraction removes the harmful leakage risk from the cabin interior while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A passage extending from the housing to the tank serves as an intermediary channel for draining used cleaning fluid back into the tank under gravity. This intermediary structure enables fluid recycling without requiring complex pumping systems or external evacuation, resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and leakage prevention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the side cameras are located above the cabin doors, then the cameras are positioned for optimal viewing, but cleaning fluid may drop on the driver entering the cabin or on persons passing by
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers used cleaning fluid through a passage that drains it back into the tank under gravity. This recovery mechanism eliminates the need to discard fluid after use, preventing splashing on drivers or passersby while maintaining optimal camera positioning above the cabin doors.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is directly attached to or integral with the tank, creating a self-contained system where cleaning fluid is automatically recycled through gravity-driven drainage. This self-service mechanism eliminates external fluid evacuation, preventing harmful splashing while preserving camera adaptability.
3Device complexity
If there is no cleaning fluid recycling, then the system structure is simpler, but the container has to be refilled quite often
Solution Approach 1:
The passage enables continuous recycling of cleaning fluid from the housing back to the tank under gravity. This continuous action maintains a consistent fluid level in the tank, eliminating the need for frequent refilling while keeping the system structure relatively simple without requiring pumps or complex controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The gravity-driven passage acts as an intermediary that continuously transports used cleaning fluid back to the tank. This intermediary structure enables automatic fluid recycling, reducing refilling frequency without adding significant system complexity.
4Volume of moving object
If the housing is directly attached to the tank, then the system is more compact and fluid levels are stable, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is merged with the tank through direct attachment or integral construction, creating a compact unified structure. This merging reduces the overall volume and eliminates gaps between components, achieving system compactness while the integration can be accomplished through standard manufacturing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it houses the camera, contains the cleaning fluid storage tank, and provides the passage for fluid drainage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, achieving compactness while simplifying manufacturing through consolidated design.
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 system recycles cleaning fluid, preventing splashing and reducing refilling frequency, ensuring reliable camera cleaning without external fluid evacuation and maintaining consistent fluid levels, enhancing safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a passage extending from the housing to the tank, for draining, under gravity, used cleaning fluid back into the tank
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention concerns a vehicle, comprising at least one camera and one corresponding washing system (3) for cleaning the camera, the washing system comprising a housing (10) for receiving the camera, a cleaning fluid storage tank (20), a nozzle (12) for spraying the cleaning fluid inside the housing and a pump (22) for pumping the cleaning fluid from the tank to the nozzle. The washing system further includes a passage (18) extending from the housing (10) to the tank (20), for draining, under gravity, used cleaning fluid back into the tank (20).