Hydraulic Camera Cleaning Head Longitudinal Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera cleaning devices for vehicles do not effectively optimize the quality of driving-aid information by ensuring the camera lens is clear without interfering with the image capture process.
Innovation Solution
A camera cleaning device with a cleaning head that moves longitudinally along the optical axis, transitioning from a passive position outside the camera's field of view to an active position to eject cleaning liquid onto the lens, utilizing hydraulic drive means and spray nozzles oriented to ensure effective cleaning without impeding image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cleaning head is positioned close to the camera lens for effective cleaning, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the image capture is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning head is designed to be movable along the optical axis between a retracted position (outside the image capture field) and an extended position (facing the lens for cleaning). This dynamic positioning allows the system to alternate between image capture mode and cleaning mode, resolving the contradiction between effective cleaning and unobstructed image capture.
2Reliability
If a separate cleaning system is added to the camera, then the cleaning function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is integrated with the camera assembly by positioning the cleaning head on the camera housing and synchronizing its operation with the image capture process. The cleaning fluid delivery system is merged with the camera's existing fluid management infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective lens cleaning functionality.
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 device ensures a clear camera lens for improved driving-aid information while maintaining minimal disruption to the camera's operation, using the same liquid for both hydraulic displacement and cleaning, ensuring efficient and effective lens cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
drive means for driving the camera or the cleaning head, which are able to generate a relative longitudinal displacement of the cleaning head with respect to the camera
Implementation Method 2
an internal face provided with a plurality of nozzles via which the cleaning liquid can leave the head bound for the lens
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device for cleaning a lens of a motor vehicle camera using a cleaning head, which includes hydraulic drive members that drive the camera or the cleaning head. The hydraulic drive members are able to generate a relative longitudinal displacement of the cleaning head with respect to the camera between a passive position in which the cleaning head is positioned outside of the image-capturing field of the camera and an active position in which the cleaning head extends facing the lens so as to allow cleaning liquid to be ejected towards the lens. The hydraulic drive members include a chamber in which a piston secured to the camera or to the cleaning head slides under the effect of the pressure of a liquid circulating between a first orifice and a second orifice which are formed respectively in the chamber.