Rotating Transparent Camera Housing for Self-Cleaning Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems in production environments face challenges with field of view obstruction due to solid and liquid contamination, requiring frequent cleaning and complex constructions to maintain visibility.
Innovation Solution
A camera system featuring a partially transparent, three-dimensional, rotatable camera housing with a glass cylinder and electric motor drive, designed for efficient cleaning through rotation and suitable for use in harsh environments with UV resistance and scratch protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a flat or curved lens is used to protect the camera field of view, then the camera can monitor production facilities, but solid and liquid contaminants accumulate on the lens and obstruct the field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static lens into a dynamic rotating lens system. The lens rotates at controlled speeds (typically 500-2000 RPM) to prevent contaminant accumulation, changing from a fixed protective barrier to an active cleaning mechanism while maintaining field of view protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful accumulation of contaminants into a beneficial cleaning effect. By rotating the lens, centrifugal force naturally flings water, coolant, lubricant, and solid particles away from the lens surface, turning the contamination problem into a self-cleaning solution without requiring additional cleaning resources
2Ease of operation
If a wiper system is used to clean the windshield, then cleaning can occur regularly or on demand, but the system becomes potentially unreliable and requires cleaning fluid supply
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating lens system is self-cleaning through centrifugal force generated by its own rotation. No external wiper mechanism or cleaning fluid is needed - the lens cleans itself by spinning, eliminating complex mechanical cleaning systems and fluid supply infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiper system with a rotational motion-based cleaning mechanism. Instead of using motors, linkages, and fluid pumps associated with wipers, the system uses simple rotational movement to achieve cleaning, significantly reducing mechanical complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a rotating viewing window is used to fling away contaminants, then the field of view remains clear, but the camera housing and system become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera housing with the rotating lens assembly into a single integrated unit. The lens is mounted directly on the camera housing, and both rotate together as one component, eliminating the need for separate rotating window mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating camera housing serves multiple functions: it protects the camera, provides a clear field of view, cleans the lens surface, and can be rotated to different positions for monitoring multiple areas. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the camera housing is made transparent to allow field of view, then monitoring is enabled, but the housing becomes vulnerable to environmental damage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material construction for the camera housing, combining transparent materials (such as tempered glass or transparent polymers) with protective coatings and structural reinforcements. This creates a housing that is both transparent for monitoring and durable against environmental damage
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 system provides a large, unobstructed field of view, easy maintenance, and durability, allowing effective monitoring in environments with water and solid contamination while being simple and cost-effective to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
rotating at a predetermined number of revolutions which corresponds to a rotational speed that is sufficient for flinging off liquid and/or solid deposits on the camera housing
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7(b)
AI summary
The invention relates to a camera system 1 comprising at least one camera 2; a three-dimensional, rotatable camera housing 3 arranged in a field of view in front of the camera 2, which is at least partially transparent; and a drive device 4 for rotating the camera housing 3. The invention also relates to a method for operating the camera system 1.