Front Camera Housing With Fluid Diversion Against Ice Buildup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle mounting structures for front cameras and spray nozzles allow washer fluid to leak and pool, leading to ice accumulation in sub-freezing temperatures, which affects camera visibility.
Innovation Solution
A mounting structure with a diversion feature that diverts washer fluid away from the nozzle opening, preventing low-pressure areas and ice buildup by shaping the protruding structure to surround the opening and direct fluid away.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spray nozzle is mounted in a housing with an opening for fluid discharge, then the nozzle can effectively clean the camera and emblem surfaces, but washer fluid leaks and pools beneath the nozzle during driving, causing ice accumulation in sub-freezing temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful element (pooled washer fluid) from the system by introducing a diversion feature that actively redirects fluid away from the housing exterior surface, preventing ice accumulation that would otherwise occur in sub-freezing temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The diversion feature acts as an intermediary element between the nozzle opening and the housing exterior surface, intercepting and redirecting washer fluid before it can pool and freeze on the external surfaces, thereby protecting camera visibility
2Ease of operation
If the nozzle opening is exposed on the housing face, then washer fluid can be discharged to clean surfaces, but low-pressure areas during driving allow fluid to leak out and pool beneath the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific geometric configuration of the diversion feature with different slopes - a first slope facing the camera and a second slope facing away - to optimize fluid redirection while maintaining the nozzle's cleaning function
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
Prevents washer fluid stagnation and ice accumulation, ensuring clear visibility of the front camera by diverting fluid effectively.
Implementation Method 1
A protruding structure is formed integral with the housing and is shaped and configured to at least partially surround the second opening. The protruding structure is adapted to divert associated fluid away from the second opening.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle mounting structure is provided for positioning both an associated camera of an associated vehicle sensor system and an associated fluid nozzle of an associated washer assembly operatively associated with the associated sensor system. The mounting structure includes a housing including an exterior face having a first inner surface portion forming a first opening extending through the face for positioning of the associated camera and a second inner surface portion forming a second opening extended through the face for positioning of the associated nozzle. A diversion feature is extended outwardly from the face. The diversion feature at least partially surrounds the second opening and is adapted to divert associated fluid away from the second opening.