Driving Support Device Automatic Camera Window Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drivers face difficulty in operating wash switches for vehicle-installed cameras while steering, leading to dirt on camera protection windows being displayed, which persists until the turn operation is completed, causing unclear turn screens.
Innovation Solution
A driving support device that automatically washes the camera protection windows when the steering wheel's angle changes beyond a threshold, ensuring clear turn screens by integrating a washer system that operates before displaying turn screens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driver operates the wash switch to wash the protection window, then the protection window becomes clear, but the driver cannot operate the wash switch while holding the steering wheel with both hands during turn operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when the vehicle is turning and triggers the washer to clean the protection window without requiring driver intervention. The washing control unit activates the washer based on steering angle detection, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminate the need for manual wash switch operation during turning maneuvers
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the washing action in advance or during the turning operation itself, rather than requiring the driver to manually initiate it after noticing dirt on the screen. By monitoring steering angle and automatically activating the washer during the turn, the system ensures the protection window is cleaned before or during the display of the turn screen
2Reliability
If the driver holds the steering wheel with both hands during turn operation, then the driver maintains control of the vehicle, but the driver cannot operate the wash switch to clean the protection window
Solution Approach 1:
The washing function is activated automatically by the system itself through steering angle detection, eliminating the need for the driver to release the steering wheel to operate the wash switch. The washing control unit monitors the steering operation and autonomously triggers the washer
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of the wash switch is replaced by an automated electronic control system that detects steering angle and triggers the washer accordingly, substituting the driver's manual action with an automated sensing and actuation system
3Loss of information
If the turn screen is displayed while dirt is on the protection window, then the driver receives turn direction information, but the turn screen becomes unclear and difficult to view
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects the turning operation through steering angle monitoring and activates the washer before or during the display of the turn screen, ensuring the protection window is cleaned in advance to prevent dirt from obscuring the turn direction information
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the steering angle and provides feedback to the washing control unit, which adjusts the timing of the washer activation based on the detected turning operation, ensuring the protection window is cleaned at the appropriate moment to maintain screen visibility
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 device effectively prevents dirt from being displayed on turn screens by washing the protection windows before the turn operation, ensuring clear visibility for the driver during turns.
Implementation Method 1
a washer (22) for washing the protection window
Data Source
AI summary
A driving support device comprises a steering wheel 30, a protection window 211, a camera 21 for photographing a region around the own vehicle through the protection window, a display unit 50, a driving support unit 10, and a washer for washing the protection window. The driving support unit has the washer wash the protection window, when a magnitude of a steering angle of the steering wheel changes a value smaller than a threshold wash angle to a value equal to or greater than the threshold wash angle. The driving support unit has the display unit start, a display of a turn screen (530 and 550), when the magnitude of the steering angle changes from a value smaller than a threshold display angle which is greater than the threshold wash angle to a value equal to or greater than the threshold display angle.