Optical Monitor Viewing Window Cleaning With Ultrasonic Liquid Film

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical monitoring devices face issues with solid residues and liquid accumulation on protective screens due to evaporation during ultrasonic cleaning, which impair visibility and reduce operating efficiency, particularly in environments with salt or sea spray.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a closed liquid film on the transparent element, coupled with ultrasonic waves to loosen contaminants, using adjustable frequency and waveform, and a controlled liquid flow to detach and remove residues efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cleaning liquid is evaporated on the cover plate to remove contaminants, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but solid residues remain on the cover plate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidsolid residues

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful evaporation process from the cleaning system by introducing a continuous liquid flow that carries away contaminants before evaporation can occur. The cleaning liquid is continuously supplied and removed, preventing solid residue formation while maintaining effective contaminant removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning liquid acts as an intermediary carrier that transports contaminants from the cover plate surface. Instead of evaporating and leaving residues, the liquid continuously flows away, carrying dissolved or suspended contaminants with it, thus preventing solid residue deposition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If mechanical cleaning means are used to clean the protective screen, then cleaning capability is improved, but the field of view is impaired temporarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capabilityVSAvoidfield of view impairment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cleaning means (wipers, brushes) with a fluid-based cleaning system. Liquid is supplied to the cover plate surface and flows continuously to remove contaminants, eliminating the need for mechanical contact that would temporarily block the optical path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning process operates continuously with constant liquid supply and flow, maintaining clean optical surfaces without interruption. This continuous action prevents field of view impairment that occurs with intermittent mechanical cleaning cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If cleaning liquid is moved to the energy maximum of ultrasonic field, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but liquid accumulates in the viewing area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidliquid accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic liquid flow that continuously moves through the ultrasonic field and exits the viewing area. The liquid is not static or accumulated at energy maxima but flows continuously, carrying contaminants away while maintaining cleaning efficiency in the ultrasonic field region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the state of the cleaning liquid from static accumulation to continuous flow by controlling supply rate and flow dynamics. This parameter change ensures liquid passes through the ultrasonic treatment zone without accumulating, maintaining both cleaning efficiency and optical clarity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Maintains consistent optical properties by effectively detaching and removing contaminants with reduced energy consumption, minimizing residue formation and enhancing visibility through the transparent element.

Implementation Method 1

coupling ultrasonic waves into the transparent element, wherein loosening of contaminations and/or adhesions to the transparent element is promoted by the ultrasonic waves coupled into the liquid film and/or the transparent element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic waves: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

loosening of contaminations and/or adhesions to the transparent element is promoted by the ultrasonic waves coupled into the liquid film and/or the transparent element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCavitation: Cavitation

Implementation Method 3

a controlled liquid flow to detach and remove residues efficiently

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12397750B2Method for keeping clear a viewing region of an optical monitoring device

Publication Date: 2025.08.26 ECHOVISTA ULTRASOUND SURFACE CLEANING LTD

AI summary

A method of keeping a viewing area through a transparent element of an optical monitoring device clear, comprising:forming a closed film of a liquid on the transparent element, andcoupling ultrasonic waves into the transparent element. The loosening of contaminations and/or adhesions to the transparent element is promoted by the ultrasonic waves coupled into the liquid film and/or the transparent element.