Compressed Air Lens Cleaning for Vehicle Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large vehicles face challenges in maintaining clear external rear-view cameras and mirrors during inclement weather due to the difficulty in reaching and cleaning adhered rainwater and debris, which affects visibility and safety while driving.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing compressed air to remove water and obstructions from external camera lens covers, with a nozzle positioned to deliver an air blast across the lens without obstructing the camera's view, and can be retrofitted or installed as original equipment, allowing for manual or automatic operation, including integration with existing air-brake and air-suspension systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If external cameras and mirrors are mounted in remote positions to provide rear-view coverage, then visibility coverage is improved, but ease of cleaning deteriorates because the driver cannot reach them
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the camera lens cover to clean itself automatically through compressed air blasts triggered by rain detection or reverse gear engagement, eliminating the need for manual cleaning by the driver despite the remote mounting position
Solution Approach 2:
Compressed air is delivered through a nozzle positioned adjacent to the lens cover to blow off adhered water and debris, using pneumatic force to achieve cleaning without manual intervention
2Reliability
If cleaning systems are added to remove water from external cameras, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air system serves multiple functions including camera lens cleaning, mirror cleaning, and potentially other vehicle systems, reducing the need for separate dedicated cleaning mechanisms for each component
Solution Approach 2:
A control valve acts as an intermediary between the compressed air source and the nozzle, selectively delivering air only when needed through rain sensors or reverse gear detection, avoiding continuous operation and reducing system complexity
3Reliability
If the nozzle is positioned to deliver air blast across the lens cover, then water removal effectiveness is improved, but risk of obstructing camera view increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is positioned at a specific location adjacent to the lens cover where it can deliver compressed air effectively across the surface without entering the camera's field of view, creating a localized cleaning zone that does not interfere with optical performance
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
Enables continuous clear visibility of external cameras during wet conditions without requiring the driver to leave their seat, reducing travel time and improving safety by effectively removing water and debris without using cleaning liquids that could impair the camera's optics.
Implementation Method 1
an air line connected to a compressed-air source and routed to the camera
Implementation Method 2
deliver an air blast across the lens cover to remove adhered water
Data Source
AI summary
A clearing system removes water and other obstructions from an external-mounted rear-view camera of a vehicle. The system includes an air line connected to a compressed-air source and routed to the camera, and a control valve operable to selectively release compressed air from the air source through the air line. A discharge nozzle of the air line is positioned adjacent a lens cover of the camera to deliver an air blast across the lens cover to remove adhered water. The nozzle is positioned outside of the field of view of the camera so that it does not obstruct the view of the camera. In various embodiments, the compressed-air source and the camera are preexisting and the clearing system is retrofit onto the vehicle, the compressed-air source and/or the camera are provided with the clearing system as a kit, and/or the clearing system is installed as original equipment on the vehicle.