Piezoelectric Lens Cleaner Resilient Amplifier

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lens cleaning devices are inefficient in effectively atomizing water droplets and other matter on camera lenses due to limited energy delivery from piezoelectric members.

Innovation Solution

A lens cleaning device incorporating a piezoelectric member coupled with a resilient member, where the resilient member amplifies the vibratory motion of the piezoelectric member, enhancing energy delivery to the lens for improved atomization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a piezoelectric member is used to clean the lens, then the lens can be cleaned, but the atomization rate is insufficient due to limited energy delivery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveatomization rateVSAvoidenergy delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a piezoelectric member that generates mechanical vibrations to atomize water droplets and contaminants on the lens. The piezoelectric material converts electrical energy into mechanical vibrations at specific frequencies, creating the necessary atomization effect for effective lens cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes parameters of the piezoelectric member including material composition, thickness, and electrode configuration to enhance energy delivery. By adjusting these parameters, the piezoelectric element achieves higher vibration amplitudes and frequencies, thereby improving the atomization rate and cleaning effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the piezoelectric member directly contacts the lens, then cleaning is simplified, but the energy delivery is insufficient for effective atomization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy deliveryVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary structure between the piezoelectric member and the lens that amplifies the mechanical vibrations generated by the piezoelectric element. This intermediary component acts as a mechanical lever or resonance chamber that magnifies the vibration energy, enabling effective atomization without requiring direct contact between the piezoelectric member and the lens surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes composite material structures combining piezoelectric materials with resonant materials or amplification structures. This composite approach enhances the energy delivery capability by leveraging the piezoelectric effect for vibration generation and the resonant properties of the composite structure for amplification, achieving effective atomization while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 amplified vibratory motion results in a higher atomization rate, effectively removing water droplets and other matter from the lens, improving cleaning efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric member including a first side, a second side, and a central aperture. The piezoelectric member is operably coupled to a power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

A resilient member includes an inner edge and an outer edge. One of the inner edge and the outer edge of the resilient member is operably coupled to the first side of the piezoelectric member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9436005B2Amplified piezoelectric camera lens cleaner

Publication Date: 2016.09.06 GENTEX CORP

AI summary

A lens cleaning device includes a piezoelectric member including a first side, a second side, and a central aperture. The piezoelectric member is operably coupled to a power source. A resilient member includes an inner edge and an outer edge. One of the inner edge and the outer edge of the resilient member is operably coupled to the first side of the piezoelectric member. A lens is operably coupled to the other of the inner edge and the outer edge of the resilient member.