Cylindrical Flange Cleaning Device for Motor Vehicle Optical Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical detection systems, such as cameras used for driving assistance, face inefficiencies due to dirt and rain accumulation on the lens, particularly when mounted on the rear bumper or registration plate, leading to reduced operability and requiring bulky or costly cleaning solutions.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a cylindrical flange having snap-fitting members and dual pipes for spraying washing liquid and compressed air, oriented towards the optic, allowing for easy adaptation and mounting, effectively removing dirt and preventing streaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lateral spray nozzle is arranged to clean the camera optic, then dirt deposition is reduced, but the device becomes bulky and harmful to appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is nested within the existing camera housing structure. The spray nozzle is integrated into the housing that already contains the camera, utilizing the existing structural space rather than adding external bulky components. This allows the cleaning function to be embedded within the camera assembly itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a simplified spray nozzle design that copies only the essential cleaning function without replicating complex external structures. The nozzle is designed to fit within the existing housing contours, creating a streamlined appearance while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
2Reliability
If a molded part with internal channels is assembled in front of the camera, then cleaning function is provided, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is segmented into separate components: the spray nozzle, the housing integration points, and the connection to the liquid supply system. This modular approach allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray nozzle design uses universal mounting features that can be adapted to different camera housing types. The standardized connection interfaces and mounting mechanisms allow the same cleaning device design to be applied across multiple vehicle models and camera configurations, reducing development and tooling costs.
3Measurement precision
If the camera is mounted on the rear bumper or registration plate for optimal viewing angle, then parking assistance quality improves, but dirt and rain deposition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is activated before dirt accumulation significantly degrades camera performance. The control system monitors cleaning needs and triggers spray cycles proactively, preventing heavy soiling rather than just responding to it. This preliminary action maintains optimal viewing quality by keeping the lens clean before contamination becomes severe.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is designed to provide continuous protection through regular spray cycles. Rather than periodic maintenance cleaning, the system operates continuously or near-continuously to maintain constant lens cleanliness, ensuring uninterrupted optimal viewing quality despite the camera's exposed mounting position.
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 solution provides an efficient, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing cleaning mechanism that ensures optimal camera functionality by easily adapting to existing systems, facilitating maintenance, and preventing operational disruptions from dirt and rain.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pipe having spray orifices is fixed to the inner wall of the cylindrical flange, the spray orifices being oriented toward the optic
Implementation Method 2
the second pipe being intended to spray compressed air
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a cleaning device (5) for an optical sensor (9) module (3) of a motor vehicle comprising a housing (7), an optical sensor (9) housed in the housing (7), characterised in that the cleaning device (5) comprises a cylindrical flange (21) having first snap-fastening members (23) shaped to engage with second snap-fastening members (25) carried by the sensor (9) module (3), the first (23) and second (25) snap-fastening members being configured such that, in the mounted state, the axis of the cylindrical flange (21) merges with the optical axis (A) of the optical sensor (9), and at least one pipe (35; 37) having spray openings (350; 370) is attached to the inner wall (33) of the cylindrical flange (21), the spray openings (350; 370) being turned towards the optical sensor (9).