Compact Gas Ejection Apparatus with Planar Component Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas ejection apparatuses are large in size, which limits their compactness and versatility, especially when installed on vehicles for removing debris from camera lenses or other vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
A compact gas ejection apparatus design featuring a rotary gas compression mechanism with a rotating member and motor, integrated with a control circuit board and case arrangement that allows for downsizing, including a gas inlet for cooling the motor and preventing water ingress, and a water-repellent surface to prevent nozzle clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional gas ejection apparatus design is used, then the apparatus can perform gas compression and ejection, but the apparatus becomes large in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the spatial arrangement of components by positioning the control circuit board adjacent to and substantially parallel to the side surface of the case, rather than stacking components in a traditional linear or layered fashion. This dimensional reorganization allows for more efficient space utilization and compactness in the apparatus design.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas inlet serves multiple functions: it provides cooling air to the motor and allows the motor to be cooled by the gas taken in from the outside of the case to the inside thereof. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cooling systems, thereby downsizing the overall apparatus.
2Volume of moving object
If the control circuit board is positioned inside the case away from side surfaces, then component protection is improved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit board is positioned in a unique location adjacent to and substantially parallel to the side surface of the case, utilizing the lateral space rather than occupying internal volume. This dimensional placement reduces apparatus size while the circuit board's integration with the case structure provides inherent protection.
3Temperature
If the motor is cooled by separate cooling system, then motor cooling is effective, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas inlet is designed to serve dual purposes: it allows cooling air to reach the motor while simultaneously being utilized by the gas compression system. The gas compression system takes in gas from the outside of the case through the same inlet, eliminating the need for a separate cooling air intake system and thereby reducing apparatus size.
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 design achieves a more compact and efficient gas ejection system that can be easily integrated into vehicles, ensuring effective debris removal while maintaining a small form factor and preventing water damage.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating member that rotates within the cylinder; a motor coupled to the rotating member of the cylinder and that causes gas to be compressed inside the cylinder and to be ejected from the cylinder by causing rotation of the rotating member
Implementation Method 2
The gas inlet takes in the gas from an outside of the case to an inside of the case. Thus, it is possible to cool the motor by the gas taken in from the outside of the case to the inside thereof.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas ejection apparatus includes: a cylinder having a rotating member that rotates within the cylinder; a motor coupled to the rotating member of the cylinder and that causes gas to be compressed inside the cylinder and to be ejected from the cylinder by causing rotation of the rotating member; a control circuit board that controls the motor; and a case in which the cylinder, the motor and the control circuit board are disposed. The case extends in a planar direction and has side surfaces that are orthogonal to the planar direction. The motor and the cylinder are arranged adjacent to each other in the planar direction of the case. The control circuit board is disposed adjacent to and substantially parallel to one of the side surfaces of the case.