Compressed Air Nozzle for Vehicle Mirror Moisture Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical surfaces in hard-to-reach locations, such as bus side-view mirrors, rear windows, and security cameras, are frequently obscured by moisture and precipitation, making them difficult to clean without manual intervention, and existing air flow clearing devices are inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A device that attaches a nozzle to the optical surface to direct a downward sheet of compressed air for clearing moisture, using an air source and control mechanism that can be operated remotely or automatically, suitable for movable surfaces and without the need for expensive adaptations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high velocity air flow clearing devices are used, then moisture can be cleared from optical surfaces, but the devices become expensive and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple pneumatic system with a compressed air source and nozzle to clear moisture from optical surfaces. This avoids complex mechanical clearing solutions while achieving effective moisture removal through controlled air flow, directly addressing the contradiction between clearing effectiveness and device complexity/cost.
2Reliability
If air flow is directed upward over the optical surface, then clearing effect is provided, but the air flow counteracts gravity making it inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directing air flow upward against gravity, the patent inverts the approach by directing air flow downward in the same direction as gravity. This allows the air flow to work with gravitational force rather than against it, improving energy efficiency while maintaining clearing effectiveness through the combined effect of air pressure and gravity on the moisture.
3Illumination intensity
If optical surfaces are positioned remotely and out of reach, then visibility is maintained, but manual clearing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service clearing system where the optical surface clears itself through an automated compressed air mechanism. The system includes a sensor that detects moisture on the optical surface and automatically triggers the air nozzle to clear it, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining optimal visibility positioning.
4Adaptability or versatility
If optical surfaces are made moveable, then adaptability is improved, but clearing effectiveness decreases due to position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic clearing system where the nozzle and optical surface positioning are coordinated to maintain effective clearing despite optical surface movement. The system adapts its clearing mechanism to the current position of the optical surface, ensuring reliable clearing effectiveness while preserving the necessary adaptability and moveability of the optical components.
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
Effectively clears moisture from optical surfaces without manual effort, ensuring clear visibility in inclement weather, while being cost-effective and reliable, with the ability to operate on movable surfaces and integrate with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
A device that attaches a nozzle to the optical surface to direct a downward sheet of compressed air for clearing moisture
Implementation Method 2
the nozzle of the optical surface clearing device is attached to the optical surface so that the device is effective even if the optical surface is moveable... the device... issues a downwardly directed sheet of compressed air from a nozzle... to blow off any moisture or water adhering to the optical surface
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle side-view mirror water removal arrangement is easily retrofitted to vehicles having an existing source of compressed air and a side-view mirror with a reflective surface. The arrangement includes a valve having an input port connected to the existing source of compressed air and an output port, the valve being movable between open and closed positions to control the flow of compressed air from the existing source of compressed air to the output port of the valve. A conduit's proximal end is connected to the output port of the valve with its distal end located at the side-view mirror for conducting the compressed air from the output port of the valve to the side-view mirror. A fastener fastens the distal end of the conduit to the side-view mirror so that the compressed air flows down the reflective surface of the side-view mirror, a nozzle at the distal end being provided to spread the compressed air substantially over an entire width of the side-view mirror to clear any water adhering to the reflective surface of the mirror.