Snap-On Lens Heater and Washer for Vehicle Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle cameras are susceptible to view obstruction by mud, salt, or dust, and existing solutions like lens heating are expensive and require complex camera redesigns, while current washer systems are not effectively integrated for efficient cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle vision system that includes a heating element and a lens washer attachment, both of which snap onto the camera lens barrel, providing thermal management and cleaning capabilities without modifying the camera design, using a separate heating element and washer system that can be activated based on temperature thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lens heating function is integrated into the camera, then the lens can be defogged when needed, but the camera design becomes more expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is segmented from the camera body into a separate attachable heating element. This allows the camera to maintain its simple original design while providing heating capability through an optional attachment that circumscribes the lens barrel, eliminating the need to redesign the camera itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is extracted as a separate component from the camera system. The heating element can be attached to or removed from the camera, providing the heating function without permanently increasing camera complexity or requiring integration into the camera's internal structure.
2Reliability
If a lens heating function is integrated into the camera, then the lens can be defogged when needed, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the heating function into a separate attachable element, the manufacturing process is simplified. The camera can be manufactured using standard processes, and the heating element can be manufactured separately and attached later, avoiding the need for complex integrated manufacturing and manual assembly of heating components within the camera.
Solution Approach 2:
Extracting the heating element as a separate component allows it to be manufactured independently using optimized processes, then attached to the camera. This eliminates the need for specialized integrated manufacturing and reduces manual assembly complexity.
3Productivity
If washer nozzles are mounted close to the camera lens, then the lens can be cleaned quickly, but the system requires integration with existing windshield washer systems
Solution Approach 1:
The washer nozzle attachment is designed to work with the existing windshield washer system, allowing the camera lens to be cleaned using the same fluid supply infrastructure. This multi-functional approach enables lens cleaning without requiring a separate dedicated washing system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining fast cleaning capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is exposed to exterior conditions, then it can capture exterior images, but the lens becomes susceptible to obstruction by mud, salt, or dust
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element provides preliminary action by maintaining the lens temperature above dew point and freezing temperature, preventing fog and ice formation before they can obstruct the lens. The washer attachment provides preliminary cleaning to prevent mud and dust accumulation that could lead to obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element converts the harmful cold temperatures that cause fogging and icing into a beneficial effect by actively warming the lens to prevent these conditions. The washer system converts the need for cleaning into a beneficial automated maintenance function that removes harmful contaminants.
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 system effectively maintains camera clarity by heating or cooling the lens, ensuring continuous object detection and improved driver assistance without the need for expensive camera redesigns or complex assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element attachment comprises a separate element that snap attaches at the lens barrel such that, when snap attached, the heating element at least partially circumscribes the lens barrel
Data Source
AI summary
A camera assembly for a vision system for a vehicle includes a camera module configured to be disposed at an exterior portion of the vehicle so as to have a field of view exterior of the vehicle. The camera module includes a housing and a lens barrel supporting a lens. A heating device is configured to attach at an exterior of the lens barrel. The heating device includes a heating element that at least partially circumscribes the lens barrel when the heating device is attached at the lens barrel. The heating device includes an electrical lead configured to electrically connect to an electrical connector of the vehicle when the camera module is disposed at the exterior portion of the vehicle.