Electrowetting Glass Cleaning for Windshield and Camera Droplets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing droplets, dust, and frost from vehicle windshields and camera lenses are inefficient, often obstructing vision, causing performance degradation, and requiring frequent replacement, while existing technologies lack effective solutions for immediate and energy-efficient droplet removal.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus utilizing electrowetting-on-dielectric and dielectrophoresis principles, with a structure comprising multiple electrodes, a dielectric layer, and a hydrophobic layer, applies direct or alternating currents to remove conductive and non-conductive droplets by altering their contact angle and surface tension, causing them to oscillate and move towards the edge, thereby reducing adhesion and facilitating removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wiper blades are used to remove contaminants from the windshield, then droplets and dust can be removed, but the back-and-forth motion blocks the driver's vision and only limits the wiped area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiper blade system with an electrowetting-based system that uses electrical fields to manipulate droplets. Electrodes embedded in the windshield generate electric fields that alter the surface tension of droplets, causing them to move across the surface without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating vision obstruction while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of surface tension through electrowetting. By applying voltage to electrodes, the contact angle of droplets is dynamically adjusted, enabling controlled movement of droplets across the windshield surface. This parameter change allows droplet manipulation without mechanical intervention
2Productivity
If wiper blades are used to remove contaminants, then cleaning is achieved, but the blades cause friction-induced noise and performance decline requiring periodic replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical friction by replacing wiper blades with an electrical field-based droplet manipulation system. The electrowetting mechanism uses voltage-controlled surface tension changes to move droplets without physical contact, eliminating friction-induced wear and noise while maintaining reliable long-term operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-cleaning functionality where droplets are automatically removed through electrical field control. The embedded electrodes continuously maintain droplet movement capability without requiring external mechanical intervention or periodic replacement of cleaning components
3Reliability
If continuous operation of the camera's cleaning system is used to maintain clear view, then droplet removal is ensured, but unnecessary energy use and system's shortened service life occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the droplet detection function from continuous cleaning operation. A detection mechanism identifies the presence of droplets on the camera lens, and only initiates cleaning when droplets are detected. This selective operation eliminates unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining clear camera views when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from continuous operation to periodic, event-driven operation. Instead of running constantly, the cleaning system activates periodically based on droplet detection events, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective droplet removal capability
4Productivity
If existing droplet removal technologies are applied to camera surfaces, then some droplet removal is achieved, but no specific feature is in place causing significant deterioration in camera performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an electrowetting-based system specifically adapted for camera surfaces. Electrical electrodes integrated into the camera cover glass generate electric fields that manipulate droplets directly on the optical surface, providing effective droplet removal without the limitations of mechanical approaches and preventing camera performance deterioration
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 enables quick, efficient, and energy-efficient removal of droplets, dust, and frost, improving visibility and reducing the need for frequent replacements, thus enhancing safety and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an antifouling structure for removing fouling on a surface of a solar cell... Voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode from the power supply such that an angle at which water present on the water-repellent dielectric layer contacts the water-repellent dielectric layer decreases
Implementation Method 2
a debris removal device for electrostatically removing debris, which includes a sheet comprising a plurality of conductive traces and a driver circuit positioned in electrical communication with the conductive traces of the sheet
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and a method for cleaning glass used in cars or cameras are disclosed. Said cleaning apparatus comprises glass, multiple electrodes placed in series on top of said glass, a dielectric layer stacked on top of said electrodes, and a hydrophobic layer stacked on top of said dielectric layer and on whose surface a droplet forms. Here, said droplet moves towards the outer edge of said glass by application of differing direct current voltages to several of said electrodes.