Door Mirror Camera Lens Recess for Raindrop Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular imaging devices housed in door mirrors are prone to image degradation due to raindrops or snow adhering to the objective lens, caused by gravity and airflow, which obstructs clear image capture.
Innovation Solution
The camera is positioned further inside the mirror housing with a conical recess on the outer surface, and the objective lens is placed at the bottom of this recess, preventing raindrops and snow from adhering by directing them away from the lens and using a camera with an angle of view of less than 180° to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the objective lens is provided on the outer surface of the door mirror housing, then the camera can capture images of the blind spot area, but raindrops or snow will adhere to the lens causing image degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the objective lens from the outer surface (2D plane) to the inner surface of a recessed portion, creating a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. This dimensional change positions the lens inside a protective cavity that prevents direct exposure to raindrops and snow flowing along the outer surface, while still maintaining the ability to capture blind spot images through the recess opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed portion acts as an intermediary protective structure between the harmful external environment (raindrops, snow) and the objective lens. This intermediate cavity shields the lens from direct contact with precipitation while allowing optical functionality to remain intact.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the objective lens is disposed inside the door mirror housing, then raindrops and snow are prevented from adhering, but the image region may be shielded by the housing
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a recessed portion that extends inward from the outer surface, the patent utilizes the third dimension (depth) to position the lens. This allows the lens to be shielded from precipitation while the recess opening maintains an unobstructed view of the blind spot area, preventing image region shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed portion creates a localized protective environment specifically for the objective lens, while the surrounding outer surface of the door mirror housing maintains its original reflective and visual functions. This local modification protects the lens without affecting the overall image capture capability.
3Area of stationary object
If a wide angle camera with 180° or more view angle is used, then the blind spot area can be fully covered, but the housing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the view angle parameter from 180° or more to less than 180°, specifically optimizing it to capture the necessary blind spot area. This parameter adjustment reduces the complexity of the housing structure and recess design while still achieving effective blind spot monitoring coverage.
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
This configuration maintains clear image capture by preventing raindrops and snow from adhering to the objective lens, reduces costs with standard camera usage, and prevents image shielding while ensuring effective image acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
raindrops or snow flowing from top to bottom along the outer surface of the minor housing by virtue of gravity
Implementation Method 2
raindrops or snow flowing from front to rear along the outer surface of the mirror housing due to being pushed by means of air flow
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular imaging device is formed by housing a camera, which takes an image of one side and rearwardly of a vehicle body, in an interior of a minor housing of the door mirror. Since an objective lens of the camera is disposed further inside than the outer surface of the mirror housing, it is possible to prevent raindrops or snow flowing from top to bottom along the outer surface of the mirror housing by virtue of gravity or raindrops or snow flowing from front to rear along the outer surface of the mirror housing due to being pushed by air flow from adhering to the objective lens of the camera, thereby enabling the image taking function of the camera to be maintained.