Articulating Camera Wing With Base-Mounted Lens Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera monitor systems in commercial vehicles are compromised by obstructions such as rain, snow, ice, and road debris, which degrade the quality of the displayed view, particularly when mirrors are entirely replaced by cameras, and existing cleaning systems increase drag coefficient and reduce fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning camera arm with a base, pivoting arm, and actuator that articulates between stowed and deployed positions, incorporating a wiper and washer system on the base to clean the camera lens, while housing components on the base for a more aerodynamic design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera cleaning system with wiper and washer components is integrated into the pivoting arm, then the camera can be cleaned effectively, but the packaging envelope increases drag coefficient and reduces fuel economy
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning components (wiper, washer nozzle, reservoir) are extracted from the pivoting arm and relocated to the base structure. This removes the harmful packaging envelope from the aerodynamic path while maintaining the cleaning function. The pivoting arm becomes a simple mounting structure for the camera, eliminating unnecessary drag-inducing components.
2Reliability
If numerous cleaning components are placed within the pivoting arm, then the camera can be cleaned, but the device complexity and packaging envelope increase
Solution Approach 1:
Cleaning components are extracted from the pivoting arm and placed on the base, simplifying the pivoting arm structure to primarily camera mounting and articulation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the base houses stationary components (reservoir, pump, washer nozzle, wiper), while the pivoting arm contains only the camera and necessary mounting mechanisms. This segmentation reduces complexity in the moving arm while maintaining complete cleaning functionality.
3Loss of energy
If the camera arm is designed with aerodynamic efficiency, then fuel economy improves, but the camera cleaning functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
All aerodynamically harmful components are extracted from the pivoting arm and relocated to the base, achieving an aerodynamic profile while maintaining complete cleaning functionality through the base-mounted wiper and washer system.
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
Maintains clear camera views by effectively removing debris and reducing aerodynamic drag, thereby enhancing visibility and fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The wiper is configured to wipe across the transparent cover over the lens or across the exposed lens while the pivoting arm moves in the sliding direction to remove debris
Implementation Method 2
the base includes at least a portion of a washer system that has a spray nozzle that is configured to spray fluid on the camera assembly
Implementation Method 3
the base includes a heater that is configured to be adjacent to the camera assembly with the pivoting arm in the stowed position
Data Source
AI summary
A camera arm for a camera monitor system (CMS) includes a base that is configured to be secured to a vehicle, and the base includes a wiper. A pivoting arm is mounted on the base at a joint. An actuator is configured to articulate the pivoting arm relative to the base with the joint. A camera assembly is provided in the pivoting arm and configured to face rearward with the base secured to the vehicle. Articulation of the joint is configured to move the pivoting arm between a deployed position and a stowed position, and the articulation of the joint moves the camera assembly across the wiper in a sliding direction as the pivoting arm moves between the deployed and stowed positions.