Electrostatic Lens Cleaning for Miniature Camera Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Miniature cameras used in humid conditions, such as in automobiles and drones, face performance degradation due to droplets on the lens surface, which can lead to safety issues and image errors, and existing mechanical cleaning methods are difficult to downsize for various camera modules.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a cover glass with electrodes, a dielectric layer, and a hydrophobic layer that applies DC or AC voltages to remove droplets, allowing them to move outward from the lens center, enabling automatic and compact droplet removal without mechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compressed air spraying method is used to clean camera lens, then droplet removal effectiveness is improved, but device size and complexity increase due to mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compressed air spraying system with an electrostatic field-based droplet removal system. Electrodes are arranged on the lens surface to generate electrostatic forces that directly act on droplets, eliminating the need for nozzles, air supply mechanisms, and associated mechanical components. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining effective droplet removal while dramatically reducing device complexity and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical mechanism from mechanical force (compressed air pressure) to electrostatic force (voltage application). By controlling voltage parameters applied to electrodes, the system achieves droplet removal through electrostatic attraction and repulsion forces, transforming the cleaning mechanism and enabling compact integration without mechanical moving parts.
2Reliability
If mechanical cleaning devices are added to camera module, then droplet removal capability is improved, but camera module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical cleaning components by implementing an electrostatic field-based system. Electrodes are integrated directly into the lens assembly, and voltage application generates electrostatic forces that remove droplets without requiring mechanical moving parts, nozzles, or air supply infrastructure. This approach maintains droplet removal capability while keeping the camera module compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic cleaning system operates autonomously by applying voltage to electrodes that are already integrated into the lens structure. The system uses the existing lens assembly components as part of the cleaning mechanism, eliminating the need for separate mechanical cleaning devices and reducing overall module volume.
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 effectively removes droplets from miniature camera lenses, ensuring clear images and easy integration into various camera modules, including those in vehicles and drones, without the size constraints of mechanical cleaning systems.
Implementation Method 1
As different DC voltages are applied to a plurality of electrodes, the droplets move outward from the center of the cover glass
Implementation Method 2
As the AC voltage is applied to the electrodes, the droplets move outward from the center of the cover glass
Implementation Method 3
a hydrophobic layer laminated on the dielectric layer and having droplets formed on the surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device and methods for cleaning a camera lens unit. In an embodiment of the present invention, the lens unit cleaning device includes: a cover glass (substrate), a plurality of electrodes successively arranged on the upper surface of the cover glass, a dielectric layer laminated on the upper surface of the electrode, and a hydrophobic layer laminated on the dielectric layer and having droplets formed on the surface. As different DC voltages are applied to a plurality of electrodes, the droplets move outward from the center of the cover glass.