Mechanical Cleaning Device for Vehicle Camera Surface Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for cleaning vehicle-mounted cameras and sensors are inefficient, as they often require large amounts of cleaning fluid, leave behind residue, obstruct the camera's view, and are not suitable for diverse surfaces or applications, and do not effectively remove material without spraying fluid.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical cleaning device with a flexible part or lip that moves over the object surface in a random or fixed pattern, using cleaning fluid supplied in contact with the surface and ejected perpendicularly, combined with a compact and robust design that can be easily mounted and dismounted, and adapted for various shapes and surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nozzle discharges washer fluid onto the optic surface from a distance, then the cleaning function is provided, but large amounts of cleaning fluid are required and fluid flows down attracting dust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful flowing motion of cleaning fluid from the system by changing the ejection direction to be substantially perpendicular to the optic surface, preventing fluid from flowing down and attracting dust while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of fluid ejection direction from angled/downward to substantially perpendicular to the optic surface, which prevents fluid from flowing down the vehicle exterior surface and attracting dust while maintaining cleaning function
2Reliability
If a nozzle discharges washer fluid onto the optic surface, then cleaning is achieved, but the camera's view is obstructed during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cleaning function from a distant nozzle spray system and relocates it to a mechanical cleaning device positioned close to the optic surface, eliminating view obstruction while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the fluid spray mechanism with a mechanical cleaning device that physically contacts the optic surface, eliminating the need for distant fluid discharge that obstructs the camera view
3Reliability
If cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the surface from a distance, then cleaning is provided, but residue is left behind and cleaning is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fluid spray cleaning system with a mechanical cleaning device that directly contacts and removes material from the optic surface, eliminating residue left by fluid evaporation and improving cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cleaning mechanism from fluid-based to mechanical contact-based, which provides more effective material removal without leaving residue
4Manufacturing precision
If a mechanical cleaning device contacts the optic surface, then effective material removal is achieved, but the device must be compact and easily mounted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal mounting structure that can accommodate different optic surfaces and vehicle configurations, reducing mounting complexity while maintaining effective mechanical contact for material removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible mounting structure that can adapt to different surfaces and configurations, enabling easy installation and removal while maintaining the mechanical contact needed for effective cleaning
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 mechanical cleaning device effectively removes material from surfaces with reduced fluid usage, prevents fluid from flowing down and attracting dust, and maintains the object's functionality and visibility, making it suitable for a wide range of applications beyond vehicle-mounted cameras.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical cleaning device for physically removing material deposited on the object surface
Implementation Method 2
cleaning fluid supplied in contact with the surface and ejected perpendicularly
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for removing material deposited on an object surface by moving a mechanical cleaning device for physical removing of material on the object surface over parts of or the entire object surface, comprising removing material deposited on the object surface by moving one end of the cleaning device in circumferential direction of the object surface, and retaining the other end of the mechanical cleaning device or moving the other end of the mechanical cleaning device in circumferential direction of the object surface.