Electromagnetic Camera Wiper Assembly for Compact Cover Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning systems for miniature cameras, such as those used on rail vehicles, are too large and unsuitable for the spatially limited application scenarios, failing to provide reliable cleaning of optically transparent covers under adverse weather conditions while maintaining small dimensions.

Innovation Solution

An electromagnetic drive system with a wiper blade connected to a linkage, utilizing magnetic fields to move the wiper blade linearly over the camera cover, combined with a spring mechanism for restoring force, ensuring effective cleaning without increasing the system's size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a camera is left in a camera bag for extended periods, then the camera and lens become contaminated with dust and other contaminants, but frequent removal and cleaning increases maintenance time and risk of contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera cleanlinessVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing a protective cover that is pre-assembled with a lens cap and body cap connected by a connecting piece. This pre-configuration allows the user to quickly cover the camera lens and body simultaneously with a single motion, preventing contamination before it occurs rather than requiring frequent cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple protective functions into a single integrated cover structure. The cover combines the lens cap, body cap, and connecting piece into one unified assembly that protects both the lens and camera body simultaneously, reducing the number of separate maintenance actions required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If protective covers are used separately for lens and body, then cleaning coverage is incomplete, but multiple separate covers increase device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotective coverageVSAvoidcover structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges separate protective elements (lens cap and body cap) into a single integrated cover assembly connected by a connecting piece. This unified structure provides comprehensive protection for both the lens and camera body while presenting as one simple device rather than multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting piece serves multiple functions: it structurally joins the lens cap and body cap, provides an attachment point for the lanyor, and enables simultaneous coverage of both lens and body. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate protective devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4337500B1Camera cleaning device
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 SIEMENS MOBILITY GMBH
  • EP4337500B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4337500B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly for cleaning an optically translucent cover (ABD) of a camera (KAM). The camera (KAM) is arranged below the optically translucent cover (ABD) in order to be protected against environmental influences. A wiper blade (WB) is guided over the cover (ABD) in order to clean the cover (ABD), and the wiper blade (WB) is connected to a mounted linkage (STG1, STG2, STG11, STG22), by means of which the wiper blade (WB) can be moved over the cover (ABD) between a first position (POS1) and a second position (POS2). The linkage (STG1, STG2, STG11, STG22) is coupled to an electromagnetic drive (EMA), and the electromagnetic drive (EMA, EMA11, EMA21) has a drive element (PM) which is connected to the linkage (STG1, STG2, STG11, STG22) such that the drive element (PM) linearly moves the linkage (STG1, STG2, STG11, STG22). The magnetic field that is built up by the coil (SP) is coupled to the drive element (PM) such that a pushing force (FS) acting on the drive element (PM) is produced on the basis of the coupling, said pushing force being transmitted to the wiper blade (WB) via the linkage (STG1, STG2, STG11, STG22) in order to bring the wiper blade (WB) from the first position (POS1) into the second position (POS2) in a linear movement.