Integrated Multi-Sensor Lens Cleaning Nozzle Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle backup camera systems face challenges in maintaining clear lens visibility due to dirt and debris accumulation, especially in harsh environmental conditions, which can obstruct the driver's view and compromise safety.
Innovation Solution
An integrated image sensor and lens cleaning system with a remotely controllable nozzle assembly that sprays a cleaning fluid at a shallow angle to simultaneously clean multiple exterior lenses, minimizing the risk of water droplets remaining on the lenses and avoiding obstruction of the camera's field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional lens washer nozzle is positioned close to the lens to effectively clean it, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the nozzle obstructs the camera's field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the nozzle from a lateral position (in the camera's field of view) to a longitudinal position (behind the camera housing). The nozzle extends through a rear opening of the housing, allowing the spray to exit from behind the lens rather than from the side, thus eliminating field of view obstruction while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If a single nozzle is used to clean multiple lenses, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning uniformity across all lenses deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a fluidic oscillator that generates an oscillating spray pattern. This dynamic spray mechanism allows a single nozzle to effectively cover multiple lenses by oscillating the spray direction, providing uniform cleaning across all lenses without requiring multiple stationary nozzles.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the nozzle is positioned at a distance from the lens to avoid obstruction, then the field of view is maintained, but the washer fluid pressure is lost and cleaning effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a fluidic oscillator that leverages fluid dynamics to maintain spray effectiveness. The oscillator design ensures that the washer fluid maintains adequate pressure and velocity as it travels from the rear opening to the lens surfaces, compensating for the increased distance through efficient fluid flow management.
4Reliability
If washing fluid is sprayed at a steep angle to effectively remove debris, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but water droplets remain on the lenses creating distortion
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of spraying at a steep angle from above, the patent sprays from below at a shallow angle. The nozzle positioned behind the housing directs the spray upward along the lens surfaces, effectively removing debris while allowing water to run off without forming distorting droplets on the outer surfaces.
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 removes debris while conserving washer fluid and pressure, ensuring clear lens visibility without compromising the camera's performance or aesthetics, enhancing driver safety by maintaining unobstructed views during various weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
which encloses and aims a fluidic oscillator that generates an oscillating spray of washer fluid
Implementation Method 2
spraying at a selected shallow, glancing spray aiming angle wash both lens surfaces substantially simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A unitary or one-piece integral image sensor and washing nozzle assembly or module 100, 300, 400 is configured to enclose, protect, and aim multiple image sensors and effectively clean multiple lenses (e.g., 102, 104) simultaneously while using only one nozzle head (e.g., 120, 320 or 420) with at least one optimized spray pattern (e.g., 122). The module includes a housing with a cover or bezel (e.g., 106) that supports and orients the lenses and the nozzle head aims spray at the lenses along a spray axis, with the relative heights and spacings of the nozzle's outlet orifice (e.g., 174) and the surfaces of the lenses (e.g., 102, 104) selected so that a particular spray either glances across and washes a nearest lens (e.g., 102) or impacts and washes over a farthest lens (e.g., 104).