Optical Device Lens Dust Mitigation via Positive Air Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical devices in high debris environments, such as construction or mining sites, frequently become dirty due to dust and debris accumulation, requiring frequent maintenance and posing safety and accessibility challenges, with existing cleaning solutions not effectively preventing lens contamination.
Innovation Solution
An enclosure system for optical devices with an air input aperture and a hose supplying clean air around the lens, preventing dust and debris from settling by maintaining a constant flow of clean air over the lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If periodic cleaning is performed on the optical device, then the lens can be maintained clean, but site operations must cease and additional service personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a continuous flow of clean air to the lens surface before dust can accumulate to problematic levels. The air supply system proactively prevents contamination rather than reacting to it, ensuring the lens remains clean without requiring periodic cleaning interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical device performs self-maintenance through the integrated air supply system that automatically removes dust and debris from the lens. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external service personnel and operational stoppages, as the system continuously maintains itself.
2Ease of operation
If additional cleaning equipment is added to the optical device, then the lens can be cleaned remotely, but the device complexity increases and operations must still cease for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using a flow of clean air to remove dust and debris from the lens surface. This pneumatic cleaning approach is integrated into the device's existing air supply system, providing remote cleaning capability without adding complex mechanical cleaning components.
Solution Approach 2:
The air supply system serves multiple functions: it provides clean air to the optical device for proper operation and simultaneously acts as a cleaning mechanism for the lens. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated cleaning equipment, reducing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If the optical device is placed in high debris environments, then visibility and monitoring are improved, but dust accumulates on the lens requiring frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high-velocity air (which could blow debris onto the lens) into a beneficial cleaning force. By directing the air flow to pass over the lens surface, the same air supply that enables operation in harsh environments simultaneously prevents dust accumulation, turning a potential harm into a benefit.
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 prevents dust and debris from accumulating on the lens, reducing the need for frequent cleaning, minimizing downtime, and eliminating the requirement for specialized personnel or equipment, ensuring continuous operation in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
providing a positive flow of air into the air input aperture, over the lens of the optical device, and out the lens aperture of the enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for dust mitigation in an environment with high amounts of debris is disclosed. The system may include an optical device disposed within an interior volume of an enclosure. A positive flow of clean air may be maintained into an air input aperture of the enclosure, around the optical device, over a lens of the optical device, and out a lens aperture of the enclosure. The system may be affixed to a piece of equipment, machine, or similar structure via a positionable or pivotable mount.