Optical Surface Cleaning with Wiper-Mounted Fluid Jet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle windshield cleaning systems fail to effectively remove drops and debris from optical devices, such as cameras, outside the sweeping region of wiper blades, which can disrupt electromagnetic wave detection.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a wiper blade with a spray nozzle that directs a fluid jet, such as air or a mixture of air and liquid, to clean the optical surface without contact, using a compressor or blower to supply the nozzle, and a solenoid valve for rapid fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wiper blade is used to clean the optical surface, then the cleaning function is provided, but the optical device may be damaged by contact abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact cleaning system (wiper blade rubbing against optical surface) with a fluid jet system (compressed air or liquid spray) that cleans the optical surface without physical contact. This substitution eliminates abrasion damage while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid medium (compressed air or liquid) as an intermediary between the cleaning system and the optical surface. This intermediary carries out the cleaning function without requiring direct contact between the wiper blade and the delicate optical components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the wiper blade sweeps the optical surface, then drops are removed, but noise is generated and the device may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rubbing action with a fluid jet mechanism that removes drops and debris through aerodynamic or hydraulic forces, eliminating the noise and abrasion associated with traditional wiper contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic (compressed air) or hydraulic (liquid spray) mechanisms to clean the optical surface, using fluid pressure and flow to dislodge and remove contaminants without mechanical contact, thereby avoiding noise and abrasion.
3Reliability
If a separate cleaning system is added for the optical device, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cleaning system for the optical device with the existing wiper blade structure by mounting the compressed air nozzle or liquid spray device on the wiper arm or blade itself. This merging approach provides effective cleaning while minimizing additional complexity by utilizing existing mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the wiper blade assembly multi-functional by combining its original sweeping function with an additional fluid jet cleaning function. The wiper arm and blade continue to perform their primary role while also serving as the mounting structure for the optical surface cleaning mechanism.
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
Ensures the optical surface is clean for proper operation by removing drops and debris without damaging the device, avoiding abrasion and noise, and allowing continuous or intermittent fluid delivery based on blade position.
Implementation Method 1
this blade bearing a nozzle for spraying fluid, in particular air, in the direction of the optical surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for cleaning an optical surface of an optical device. The cleaning system includes a wiper blade for a window, the wiper blade being arranged to wipe a wiping zone of the window that is separate from an optical surface. The blade bearing a nozzle for spraying fluid, in particular air, in the direction of the optical surface. The cleaning system also includes an apparatus for setting fluid in motion, in particular a compressor or a blower, intended to supply the spray nozzle.