Lens Vibration and Thermal Control for Weatherproof Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image capturing devices, such as dash cameras, face performance issues due to water droplets, fog, or frost forming on the protective lens, which can compromise road safety in inclement weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
The image capturing device incorporates a vibration unit to shake off water droplets and a temperature modulation unit, typically a thermoelectric cooling unit, to remove fog and frost by heating the lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the protective lens is exposed to outside air for imaging, then the device can capture external images, but water droplets, fog, or frost form on the lens surface in inclement weather
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vibration unit that generates mechanical vibrations to shake off water droplets from the lens surface. The vibration unit is coupled to the lens and activates to create sufficient mechanical disturbance to dislodge and remove accumulated water droplets, thereby maintaining optical clarity without requiring the lens to be enclosed or protected from environmental exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a temperature modulation unit that changes the thermal parameters of the lens to prevent and remove fog and frost. By heating the lens above the dew point temperature, the system prevents condensation formation. When frost or fog does form, continued heating raises the lens temperature to melt the ice crystals and evaporate condensed moisture, restoring clear vision.
2Reliability
If heating is applied to remove frost and fog, then the lens becomes clear, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a control unit that monitors environmental conditions and lens temperature to regulate the temperature modulation unit's operation. The control unit activates heating only when temperature sensors detect conditions conducive to frost or fog formation (temperatures near or below dew point), and modulates the heating power to maintain the lens temperature just above the condensation point, thereby minimizing energy consumption while ensuring reliable anti-fog and anti-frost performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a vibration unit is added to shake off water droplets, then the device can function in rainy conditions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the vibration unit into the existing lens assembly structure, where the same vibrational mechanism serves multiple purposes: removing water droplets during rainy conditions and potentially assisting in the removal of other contaminants. The temperature modulation unit similarly provides multi-functionality by preventing both fog and frost through thermal control. This multi-functional approach justifies the added complexity by consolidating weather-related protective functions into unified systems rather than requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each weather condition.
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
This solution enables the image capturing device to function effectively in various inclement weather conditions, improving driving safety by ensuring clear vision through the lens.
Implementation Method 1
The vibration unit is configured to vibrate the lens
Implementation Method 2
The temperature modulation unit is configured to modulate the temperature of the lens
Data Source
AI summary
An image capturing device is provided. The image capturing device includes a device housing, a lens, a vibration unit and a temperature modulation unit. The lens is disposed within the device housing. The vibration unit is configured to vibrate the lens. The temperature modulation unit is configured to modulate the temperature of the lens.