Self-Contained Drone Camera Wash System
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a practical, inexpensive, and unobtrusive system and method to clean camera lenses on drones and vehicles, as traditional automotive-style camera wash systems are not suitable for drones and many vehicles lack factory-installed camera wash systems, leading to impaired field of view due to dirt and debris.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained camera wash system with a pressurized washer liquid container and a fluidic spray nozzle that can be remotely actuated, allowing for efficient and flexible cleaning of camera lenses on drones and vehicles, including a retrofit kit for aftermarket installation on vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional automotive-style camera wash system is used, then the camera lens can be cleaned effectively, but the system is too large and heavy for drone applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the washing function into separate components: a pressurized container for washer fluid, a fluidic spray nozzle for fluid delivery, and a remote actuation mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables the system to be mounted on drones with limited weight and space capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the washing system by using pressurized washer fluid stored in a container, which allows the fluid to be delivered through a compact fluidic spray nozzle without requiring a large pump system. This parameter change enables effective lens cleaning while reducing overall system weight and size for drone applications.
2Ease of operation
If a factory-installed camera wash system is integrated into vehicles, then the camera lens can be cleaned automatically, but the system increases device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic spray nozzle system is designed to be universally applicable to multiple camera locations and configurations. The same basic components (pressurized container, nozzle, actuation mechanism) can serve different cameras in various vehicle types, reducing overall system complexity compared to dedicated washing systems for each camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing washer fluid supply infrastructure when available, allowing the camera washing function to utilize already-p pressurized fluid without requiring a separate pumping system. This self-service approach reduces device complexity by leveraging existing vehicle systems.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact pressurized container system is used, then the system size is reduced for drone use, but the amount of washer fluid available is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a fluidic spray nozzle that efficiently replicates the cleaning function of larger washing systems by utilizing pressurized fluid dynamics. The fluidic design creates a concentrated spray pattern that delivers effective cleaning with minimal fluid quantity, allowing compact container sizes suitable for drone applications.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing to a pressurized fluid delivery system with a fluidic spray nozzle, the system achieves more efficient fluid utilization. The pressurization allows the fluid to be delivered with higher velocity and concentration, reducing the total volume of fluid needed while maintaining effective cleaning capability in a compact system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a fluidic spray nozzle with remote actuation is used, then the washing system is more flexible and adaptable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary actuation mechanism (such as a solenoid valve or pneumatic actuator) that translates simple control signals into fluid delivery activation. This intermediary component provides flexible remote control capability while keeping the overall system relatively simple by using well-established actuation technologies.
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 system provides a compact, economical, and easily installed solution for cleaning camera lenses, reducing the amount of washer fluid needed and allowing for on-demand cleaning of drones in flight and vehicles, ensuring a clear field of view without requiring existing automotive washer systems.
Implementation Method 1
a replaceable pressurized container of washer liquid (e.g., a common aerosol canister) for supplying pressurized washer fluid to a washer nozzle
Implementation Method 2
The washer nozzle is preferably of the fluidic spray nozzle type that issues a laterally oscillating jet of washer liquid which, by virtue of its oscillation, breaks up into a pattern of droplets
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained, compact camera wash system 1000 for a drone 800 or as an automotive aftermarket kit 1101 uses a pressurized container 1002 similar to a common aerosol can to supply washer fluid to a washer nozzle 1020 via actuable valving. The fluid supply container is small for use with drone cameras (e.g., ˜15 ml in volume) and is readily packaged in a compact assembly. For the automotive aftermarket kit 1101 a larger volume container volume is provided and configured to be easily replaced as needed.