Cleaning apparatus and control method for cleaning apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning apparatuses for detection elements, such as image sensors, are inadequate in effectively removing various types of foreign particles, leading to potential damage during manual cleaning and inconsistent results due to varying user proficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with a combination of non-contact and contact cleaning units, utilizing air blown by a first cleaning unit and a wiping tool by a second cleaning unit, respectively, along with a control method that includes a check unit for surface inspection and a display unit for user guidance, to ensure thorough and safe cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning is performed by users, then cleaning can be done, but the detection surface may be accidentally damaged and cleaning accuracy varies
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus enables the detection element to clean itself through automated mechanisms. The cleaning unit moves automatically across the detection surface, applying cleaning force without human intervention, thus eliminating the risk of user-caused damage while maintaining cleaning accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning with an automated cleaning unit that can be precisely controlled. The cleaning unit's movement and cleaning force application are mechanized and controllable, substituting unpredictable human manual operations with reliable automated mechanical systems.
2Reliability
If dedicated workers clean the image capturing surface, then cleaning expertise is applied, but cleaning accuracy varies depending on worker proficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates human operators from the cleaning process entirely, using automated control mechanisms to ensure consistent, repeatable cleaning results. The control unit manages the cleaning unit's movement and operation, ensuring uniform application of cleaning force across all detection elements without variation in worker proficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls cleaning parameters such as cleaning force, movement speed, and contact pressure through the control unit. By precisely regulating these parameters, the system achieves consistent cleaning results regardless of operator skill level, transforming variable human performance into controlled mechanical parameters.
3Productivity
If cleaning apparatus uses contact method only, then foreign particles can be removed, but risk of damage to detection surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning unit is designed to move dynamically across the detection surface rather than applying static contact force. The movement allows the cleaning unit to remove particles through a combination of gentle contact and mechanical action, reducing the risk of damage while maintaining particle removal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning unit acts as an intermediary between the cleaning force and the detection surface. It transfers cleaning force in a controlled manner, using its specific structure and movement to remove particles without directly transmitting damaging forces to the delicate detection surface.
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 apparatus effectively removes foreign particles from detection surfaces without damaging the elements, providing accurate and consistent cleaning results through its controlled and multi-step cleaning process.
Implementation Method 1
clean the front surface of an image capturing surface by wiping the surface using wind pressure
Implementation Method 2
clean the front surface of an image capturing surface by wiping the surface using wind pressure or an adhesive sheet
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus that cleans a detection element including a detection surface, including a first cleaner configured to perform cleaning, and configured to clean the detection surface by using a first cleaning portion, a second cleaner, and configured to clean the detection surface by using a second cleaning portion, a driver to which the first cleaner and the second cleaner are attached and configured to move to approach or recede from the detection surface in a state where the first cleaner and the second cleaner are attached to the driver, and a control unit configured to control each of the first cleaner, the second cleaner, and the driver, wherein the control unit controls, based on the received setting, a cleaning order and/or a number of cleaning operations of the cleaning performed by the first cleaner and the cleaning performed by the second cleaner.