Cover Lens Air Cleaning With Membrane-Controlled Drainage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning systems for vehicle headlights and sensor housings, such as wipers and high-pressure washers, are mechanically complex, costly, and often ineffective, posing safety risks and high water consumption, while non-mechanical solutions are needed for efficient and targeted cleaning without interrupting the optical path.
Innovation Solution
An air-based cleaning system with an air outlet below the cover lens, using a deformable membrane element to control drainage openings, allowing air flow for cleaning and preventing water ingress, which is drained via outlets when air supply is off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical cleaning systems (wipers, high-pressure washers) are used, then cleaning function is provided, but device complexity increases and structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cleaning systems (wipers, brushes) with a pneumatic cleaning system that uses compressed air to blow dirt and moisture off the cover lens. This eliminates complex mechanical moving parts while maintaining effective cleaning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses compressed air (pneumatics) as the cleaning medium, directing it through nozzles onto the cover lens surface. This pneumatic approach provides reliable cleaning without the structural complexity of mechanical systems.
2Reliability
If high-pressure washer nozzles are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes water-based high-pressure washing with air-based pneumatic cleaning. This eliminates water consumption entirely while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through the use of compressed air to remove contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the cleaning medium from liquid (water) to gas (compressed air), fundamentally altering the cleaning approach to eliminate water consumption while maintaining or improving cleaning quality through controlled air pressure and directed airflow.
3Reliability
If wipers are used for cleaning, then cleaning function is provided, but pedestrian safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wiper systems with a pneumatic air-blown cleaning system. This eliminates moving mechanical parts that could pose safety risks to pedestrians, while maintaining effective cleaning through directed compressed air flow.
4Reliability
If air outlet is arranged in lower region for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but water can enter the cleaning device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic membrane element that reversibly changes its state based on air pressure. During air supply, the membrane closes drainage openings to prevent water entry; during air discharge, it opens to allow water drainage, adapting to operational conditions in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible membrane element that responds to pressure changes to control the drainage openings. This thin film structure dynamically opens and closes to prevent water accumulation while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
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
Ensures efficient and targeted cleaning without mechanical parts, preventing water accumulation and damage to the system, while maintaining optical clarity and reducing design constraints.
Implementation Method 1
in a first so-called ON state, in which the cleaning device is pressurized with air, the at least one membrane element is deformed in such a way that the one or more drainage openings are closed
Implementation Method 2
at least one membrane element is arranged above the one or more drainage openings and is reversibly deformable
Implementation Method 3
the air supplied to the cleaning device flows via the air duct to the air outlet, from which it emerges in the form of an air flow, which, in order to clean the cover lens, acts on the outer surface of the cover lens
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cover lens cleaning system comprising a cover lens (101) for closing an opening of a housing (102) as well as a cleaning device (103), wherein the cover lens (101) is transparent, wherein the cleaning device (103) can apply an air flow for cleaning to an outer surface of the cover lens (101) via an air outlet (108). The cleaning device has one or more drainage openings (109) leading into an outer space on a lower side (103a), via which any moisture or liquid such as water present in the cleaning device (103) can escape. A membrane element (106) is arranged above the at least one drainage opening (109) and is reversibly deformable and designed in such a way that in a first so-called ON state, in which the cleaning device (103) is pressurized with air, the membrane element (106) is deformed in such a way that the one or more drainage openings (109) are closed, and in a second so-called OFF state, in which the cleaning device (103) is not pressurized with air, the at least one membrane element (106) is deformed in such a way that the one or more drainage openings (109) are at least partially not closed.