Electromagnetic Wiper for Sealed Vehicle Camera Housing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiping devices for optical elements in vehicles, such as rear view and driver assistance cameras, face challenges in sealing the camera housing due to mechanical and electronic connections, leading to inadequate protection from moisture and dust.

Innovation Solution

A wiping device utilizing a time-variable electromagnetic field for indirect coupling between the wiping element and the housing, eliminating the need for mechanical or electronic connections, with a linear electromotor system that includes a rotor and stator configuration, allowing for optimal sealing and stable movement of the wiper blade.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical arrangement is used to move the wiping element, then the wiping element can be moved across the optical element, but the housing cannot be sealed well enough to protect the camera from moisture and dust

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing qualityVSAvoidmechanical arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical arrangement with an electromagnetic field-based linear motor system. The wiping element is moved by coupling with a time-variable electromagnetic field generated by coils in the housing, eliminating the need for mechanical connections between the housing and wiping element. This allows the housing to be fully sealed while maintaining the wiping function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the housing and the wiping element. The time-variable electromagnetic field acts as a mediator that transfers motion without requiring direct mechanical contact, thereby enabling sealed housing construction while still allowing the wiping element to be actuated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If electronic connections are provided between the inside and outside of the housing, then the wiping element can be controlled, but the camera pod and cables provide for weak sealing and bad protection of the camera from moisture and dust

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing qualityVSAvoidelectronic connection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic cable connections with wireless electromagnetic field communication. The linear motor uses time-variable electromagnetic fields to control the wiping element without requiring physical cable penetration through the housing, thus maintaining complete sealing while enabling control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a linear motor with time-variable electromagnetic field is used, then the housing can be sealed optimally, but the system requires electromagnetic coupling between housing and wiping element

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing qualityVSAvoidelectromagnetic coupling system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fully embraces the electromagnetic field approach, using coils in the housing to generate time-variable electromagnetic fields that couple with a conductor in the wiping element. This complete replacement of mechanical systems with electromagnetic fields achieves optimal sealing while the complexity is managed through integrated design of the linear motor system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 a sealed camera housing, effectively protecting it from water and dust by using electromagnetic fields to move the wiper blade, ensuring a contact-free operation that enhances the camera's protection and stability.

Implementation Method 1

a first unit is placed in or on the wiping element and a second unit is placed in the housing. These units may not need to be directly coupled since an electromagnetic field provides for an indirect coupling. The electromagnetic field may vary over time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The movement which the wiping element is able to undergo is caused by coupling a first unit of the wiping element with a second unit in the housing via a time-variable electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10576940B2Wiping device and method for wiping an optical element, and rear view device or driver assistance device for use in a vehicle

Publication Date: 2020.03.03 SMR PATENTS S A R L

AI summary

A wiping device for wiping an optical element clean of water or of particles includes a housing and a wiping element able to undergo a movement with respect to the housing, where the wiping device is configured to move in such a manner that such movement is caused by coupling a first unit in or on the wiping element with a second unit in the housing via a time-variable electromagnetic field. The wiping device may be used for wiping the surface of a lens or of a window, which lens or window is transmissive to visible light, ultraviolet radiation, and/or infrared radiation, and is preferably placed in front or as part of a camera. In addition, a rear view device or driver assistant device for use in or on a vehicle including such a wiping device, and a method for wiping an optical element are provided.