Protective Cover Vibration Control for Imaging Unit Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging units struggle to effectively remove various types of foreign matter, such as raindrops and dust, from light-transmissive bodies using a single vibration pattern, which may not be sufficient for all types of adhering substances, leading to incomplete cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus and method that includes a holder for the imaging element, a light-transmissive body, a vibrator, a discharger for a cleaning liquid, and a controller that vibrates the light-transmissive body at its resonant frequency for a predetermined period after discharging the cleaner, then stops or changes the frequency to effectively remove foreign matter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single vibration pattern is used to remove foreign matter, then the device structure is simple, but cleaning effectiveness for all types of foreign matter is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic vibration control by switching between different vibration patterns (resonant frequency vibration, non-resonant frequency vibration, and vibration stopping) based on the type of foreign matter detected. The control unit adjusts vibration parameters in real-time to match the cleaning requirements of different substances like raindrops, dust, or snow, thereby improving cleaning effectiveness without requiring multiple physical vibration devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes vibration parameters (frequency and duration) based on the detected foreign matter type. When raindrops are detected, resonant frequency vibration is applied; when dust is detected, non-resonant frequency vibration is used; and when snow is detected, vibration is stopped to allow melting. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by making a single vibration device effective for multiple foreign matter types.
2Reliability
If resonant frequency vibration is continuously applied, then foreign matter removal is maximized, but cleaning liquid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic resonant frequency vibration only during specific time intervals when it is most effective for removing certain types of foreign matter like raindrops. The vibration is not continuously applied but rather in periodic bursts synchronized with the cleaning liquid discharge and foreign matter characteristics, thereby reducing overall cleaning liquid consumption while maintaining effective foreign matter removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies resonant frequency vibration before or during cleaning liquid discharge to pre-loosen foreign matter, making the subsequent cleaning more efficient. This preliminary vibration action reduces the total amount of cleaning liquid needed by preparing the foreign matter for easier removal, thus resolving the contradiction between removal efficiency and liquid consumption.
3Reliability
If vibration is applied for extended periods, then foreign matter is thoroughly removed, but imaging element exposure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic vibration cycles with optimized durations that are sufficient to remove foreign matter but limited in total time to minimize imaging element exposure. The vibration is applied in discrete intervals rather than continuously, allowing the system to achieve thorough cleaning within a compressed time frame, thus resolving the contradiction between cleaning completeness and exposure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies vibration in advance or concurrently with cleaning liquid discharge to accelerate the foreign matter removal process. By preparing the foreign matter for removal beforehand through vibration, the actual cleaning time is reduced, thereby minimizing imaging element exposure time while still achieving thorough cleaning.
4Reliability
If multiple vibration patterns are implemented, then cleaning effectiveness for different foreign matter types improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single vibration device that performs multiple functions by changing its operation mode based on the detected foreign matter type. The same vibration mechanism can operate in resonant frequency mode, non-resonant frequency mode, or be completely stopped, effectively making one device serve multiple cleaning purposes. This universal approach improves adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a detection unit to identify the type of foreign matter and provides feedback to the control unit, which then selects the appropriate vibration pattern. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically adapt to different cleaning scenarios without requiring manual intervention or complex pre-programming, thereby improving foreign matter type adaptability while keeping the control system relatively simple.
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
This approach allows for efficient cleaning of foreign matter by maximizing the spreading and removal of cleaning liquid on the surface, reducing the amount of liquid needed and improving cleaning effectiveness, even for different types of adhering substances.
Implementation Method 1
the controller is configured or programmed to control the driver such that the light-transmissive body is vibrated at a resonant frequency for a predetermined period after the discharger is caused to discharge the cleaner
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator is disposed on a cylindrical portion at an extended position of the dome-shaped cover. Thus, in the imaging unit, when raindrops adhere to the dome-shaped cover, the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator can be vibrated to remove the raindrops adhering to the dome-shaped cover
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus includes an imaging section, a protective cover in a field of view of the imaging section, a vibrator to vibrate the protective cover, a piezoelectric driver to drive the vibrator, a cleaning liquid discharger to discharge a cleaner onto a surface of the protective cover, and a signal processing circuit to control the piezoelectric driver. The signal processing circuit controls the piezoelectric driver such that the protective cover is vibrated at a resonant frequency for a predetermined period after the cleaning liquid is caused to be discharged and controls the piezoelectric driver such that, after the predetermined period, vibration of the protective cover is stopped or the protective cover is vibrated at a frequency other than the resonant frequency.