Cleaning Module for Curved Optical Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driving assistance systems with optical elements, such as cameras and Lidar technology, face challenges in effectively cleaning surfaces with small radii of curvature, leading to impaired operability due to dirt and water residue, which prior cleaning modules are unable to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning module comprising a movable ring with a cleaning structure, including a fluid spray nozzle and a wiping structure, designed to surround and clean optical elements or protection devices with cylindrical surfaces, ensuring effective removal of dust and water without being hindered by curvature constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional cleaning module is used, then cleaning can be performed on flat or large-radius surfaces, but it cannot effectively clean surfaces with small radii of curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a ring-shaped cleaning structure that conforms to the curved surface of the optical element. The ring follows the cylindrical geometry of the protective cover, enabling effective cleaning contact on surfaces with small radii of curvature that conventional flat or linear cleaners cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning module is divided into a ring structure with multiple cleaning elements distributed around its circumference. This segmentation allows the cleaning function to be applied at multiple points simultaneously around the optical element, improving both adaptability to curved surfaces and overall cleaning effectiveness.
2Reliability
If a cleaning module with complex structure is used to clean curved surfaces, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring-shaped cleaning structure serves multiple functions: it conforms to curved surfaces, distributes cleaning force around the optical element, and can accommodate various cleaning mechanisms (wiping, spraying, blowing). This universal design achieves effective cleaning on curved surfaces without requiring multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring structure is designed with sufficient flexibility to conform to the curved surface of the optical element's protective cover. This flexibility allows the cleaning elements to maintain contact with the surface while following its curvature, achieving effective cleaning without a complex rigid structure.
3Reliability
If cleaning fluid is projected onto the optical element, then dirt removal improves, but residual droplets interfere with the driver assistance system
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning module combines multiple cleaning functions in one integrated structure: fluid projection, wiping, and air blowing. By merging these functions, the system can project cleaning fluid to remove dirt, then immediately wipe the surface and blow away residual droplets, preventing interference with the optical element.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring structure enables continuous cleaning action around the entire optical element. As the ring moves or rotates, cleaning fluid is continuously projected, wiped, and blown across the surface, ensuring complete removal of dirt and residues without interruption or missed areas.
4Speed
If the optical element is exposed to exterior environment, then aerodynamic performance improves, but soiling and watermarks impair operation
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning module is designed to clean the optical element before soiling accumulates to problematic levels or before watermarks have time to dry and adhere permanently. The proactive cleaning approach maintains optical clarity while the element remains exposed to the exterior environment for aerodynamic benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system enables the optical element to maintain its own cleanliness autonomously. The element remains exposed to the environment for aerodynamic performance, while the integrated cleaning module periodically or continuously removes soiling and watermarks, allowing the element to serve itself without compromising operability.
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 module ensures reliable operability of driving assistance systems by effectively cleaning surfaces with small radii of curvature, regardless of the shape, using a combination of mechanical wiping and fluid projection to remove dirt and water, even when the vehicle is in motion.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning structure includes at least one fluid projection nozzle configured to project a cleaning fluid onto the surface of revolution
Implementation Method 2
The cleaning structure includes a wiping structure configured to sweep the surface of revolution
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cleaning module (5) for a protective device (3) for an optical element, intended for use in a motor vehicle. The protective device (3) has a surface of revolution configured to be arranged around the optical element. The cleaning module (5) comprises at least one ring (51) configured to surround the protective device (3) and includes at least one wiping structure. The ring (51) is configured to be movable with a relative translational movement about an axis of revolution (A2) of the ring (51) with respect to the protective device (3), such that at least one wiping structure (53) of the ring (51) is configured to sweep the surface of revolution of the protective device (3).