Pop-up Nozzle Assembly for Automotive Camera Lens Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle camera systems face challenges in maintaining a clear image due to dirt and debris accumulation on the objective lenses, especially in harsh environmental conditions, as conventional cleaning methods are either ineffective or aesthetically unappealing, and often interfere with the camera's field of view.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controllable external lens washing system with a pop-up aiming fixture and laterally offset nozzle assembly that sprays washing fluid at a shallow angle to clean the lens surface, minimizing interference with the camera's view and using low flow rates to conserve washer fluid, while being designed to retract when not in use to avoid contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional washer nozzle is used to clean the camera lens, then the lens can be cleaned, but the nozzle obstructs the camera's field of view and interferes with image capture
Solution Approach 1:
The washer nozzle is repositioned from a conventional location to a laterally offset position beside the camera housing. The spray is directed at a shallow angle (1-20 degrees) relative to the lens surface, cleaning the lens without the nozzle itself blocking the optical path. This spatial reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and field of view obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is separated into distinct functional components: the nozzle is laterally offset from the camera housing, allowing independent positioning of the cleaning mechanism away from the optical path while maintaining cleaning functionality through angled spray delivery.
2Reliability
If a visible washer nozzle is mounted on the camera housing, then the lens can be cleaned, but the aesthetic appeal of the camera is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is repositioned to a lateral location on the camera housing rather than being mounted on the front face. This spatial relocation places the nozzle outside the primary visual field, reducing its aesthetic impact while preserving cleaning functionality through the laterally offset spray configuration.
3Reliability
If washing fluid is sprayed directly at the lens, then cleaning is effective, but excessive fluid is used and waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spray is directed at a shallow angle (1-20 degrees) relative to the lens surface, creating a localized cleaning zone that targets the lens periphery where debris accumulates. This angled spray pattern concentrates fluid application on the cleaning surface, reducing overall fluid consumption compared to direct perpendicular spraying.
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
Effectively removes debris from the camera lenses without obstructing the view, conserves washer fluid, and maintains the camera's aesthetic appeal by minimizing the nozzle's visibility and preventing water droplets from forming on the lens.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillating spray of washing fluid from a fluidic oscillator aimed at the external lens surface to clean accumulated debris
Implementation Method 2
spraying at a selected shallow, glancing spray aiming angle to impinge upon and wash the lens external surface
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2
AI summary
A pop-up external lens washing system has an extendable aiming fixture configured to aim a lens cleaning spray at an external lens which is exposed to the elements and apt to become soiled with debris. The extendable nozzle assembly is configured to be aimed toward the external lens by the extended aiming fixture during the washing operation only and has at least one laterally offset washing nozzle projecting from the aiming fixture to a spray washing fluid toward the external lens surface, spraying at a shallow, glancing spray aiming angle to impinge upon and wash the lens external surface.