Removable Camera Cover for Lens Damage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive camera lenses mounted at the front of vehicles are prone to damage, requiring the entire camera to be replaced when the lens is damaged, which is costly and inconvenient for vehicle owners.
Innovation Solution
A removable transparent cover is provided for the camera lens, which can be easily replaced if damaged, and optionally integrated with a washer system for cleaning, allowing the camera to remain intact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera lens is mounted at the front of the vehicle, then the camera can capture exterior images, but the lens becomes prone to damage from environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the camera assembly into separable components: a protective cover and the camera unit itself. The cover can be removed and replaced independently when damaged, while the camera remains intact. This segmentation allows the protective function to be separated from the imaging function, enabling independent maintenance of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a protective cover that shields the camera lens from environmental damage before such damage occurs. The cover acts as a preliminary protective barrier against debris, weather, and other harmful factors, allowing the camera to operate in harsh exterior conditions without direct exposure to damaging elements.
2Reliability
If the entire camera is replaced when the lens is damaged, then the camera functionality is restored, but the repair cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the camera assembly into separable components: a protective cover and the camera unit itself. The cover can be removed and replaced independently when damaged, while the camera remains intact. This segmentation allows the protective function to be separated from the imaging function, enabling independent maintenance of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable or replaceable protective cover that can be easily replaced when damaged. Rather than replacing the entire expensive camera unit, the owner can replace the relatively inexpensive cover, significantly reducing repair costs while restoring full camera functionality.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a removable cover is added to protect the lens, then the lens is protected from damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protective function from the camera unit itself and implements it through a separate, removable cover. This extraction allows the protection mechanism to be independent of the camera's internal structure, simplifying the overall system while providing enhanced protection. The cover can be attached or removed without affecting the camera's internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover serves multiple functions: it protects the lens from environmental damage, provides a mounting interface for the camera, and can be replaced independently when damaged. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional protective components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving comprehensive protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A vision system of a vehicle includes a camera disposed at an exterior portion of a vehicle and having a field of view exterior of the vehicle. The camera has a camera housing and a lens. A cover element is removably disposed at the camera. The cover element includes a curved transparent portion and a mounting portion. The curved transparent portion of the cover element, when the cover element is disposed at the camera, protects the lens so that the lens is not exposed to the environment external the vehicle. The cover element may be configured to be fixedly mounted at the exterior portion of the vehicle, such that the camera is removably mounted at the vehicle by detachable attachment at the cover element.