Optical Assembly Layout for Integrated Lens Contamination Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera arrangements face challenges in effectively detecting and removing optical contamination such as dirt, dust, water droplets, and ice, which adversely affect image quality and driving safety in automotive applications.
Innovation Solution
The optical assembly comprises an optical body, a housing, an electronics carrier, and an electronic component with integrated light sources and receivers. The electronic component is coupled to the electronics carrier and arranged between optical elements, allowing for efficient detection and removal of optical contamination through reflected light analysis and resistive heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical elements are exposed to the exterior environment for capturing images, then image acquisition capability is improved, but optical contamination (dirt, dust, water droplets, ice) accumulates on the optical surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting optical contamination before it significantly degrades image quality. The light source and light receiver are positioned to continuously monitor the optical element surface, enabling early detection of contaminants so that cleaning can be initiated before image quality is adversely affected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the light receiver to detect reflected light from the optical element and provide real-time information about contamination status. This feedback loop enables the system to monitor optical element cleanliness continuously and trigger cleaning operations when contamination thresholds are exceeded, maintaining optimal image quality.
2Reliability
If heating elements are added to remove optical contamination, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function with the existing optical element structure. The heating element is integrated behind the optical element, combining thermal cleaning capability with the optical component itself rather than adding a separate, complex cleaning mechanism. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining effective contamination removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of contamination into a beneficial heating mechanism. By positioning the heating element behind the optical element, the system uses thermal energy to melt and remove contaminants (ice, frost, water droplets) that would otherwise degrade performance. The contamination problem becomes the mechanism for self-cleaning through phase change.
3Volume of moving object
If electronic components are integrated within the optical assembly, then compactness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the optical element to serve multiple functions: optical transmission for image capture and thermal conduction for heating. The heating element is positioned behind the optical element, allowing the optical component to function both as an imaging element and as a heat transfer medium, reducing the need for separate dedicated heating structures and simplifying integration.
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 provides a simple, cost-effective, and versatile method for detecting and removing optical contamination, ensuring optimal image quality and enhancing driving safety by maintaining clear optical paths in camera systems.
Implementation Method 1
The light source is configured to emit light to the optical body, the optical body being configured to reflect light from the light source when optical contamination is located on a surface of the optical body
Implementation Method 2
the optical body being configured to reflect light from the light source when optical contamination is located on a surface of the optical body
Implementation Method 3
the light receiver being configured to receive the light reflected by the optical body such that optical contamination on the surface of the optical body is detected
Implementation Method 4
a heating element arranged between a portion of the optical body and the electronics carrier, the heating element being optically transparent and electrically conductive
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The optical assembly (10) comprises an optical body (100), a housing (200) to receive the optical body (100), an electronics carrier (500), and an electronic component (300) coupled to the electronics carrier (500). The electronic component (300) comprises a light source (300') to emit light to the optical body (100) and a light receiver (400) to receive light reflected from the optical body (100) such that optical contamination (S) on the optical body (100) is detected. The optical assembly (10) is a lens assembly or a camera arrangement. The method of making comprises providing a housing (200) to receive the optical body (100), coupling the electronic component (300) to the electronics carrier (500), providing the electronics carrier (500) behind at least one optical element (110) of the optical body (100) along the optical axis (O), and inserting of the electronics carrier (500) inside the housing (200) such that the electronics carrier (500) and the electronic component (300) are arranged between optical elements (110).