Rotating Camera Lens Cover for Vehicle Rear View Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rear view display systems for vehicles face challenges in effectively cleaning camera lenses without obstructing the view, particularly for multiple cameras with different angles, and existing solutions are complex, require additional space, or fail with ingrained dirt.
Innovation Solution
A rear view display device with a cover made of transparent, scratch-proof material that rotates relative to the camera lens, using a motor or air stream for movement, and incorporates a cleaning system with brushes, lips, and a nozzle for continuous cleaning without obstructing the view, suitable for various camera types including fish eye cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical cleaning elements are led over the camera lens to clean it, then the camera lens can be cleaned, but the view of the camera is temporarily blocked by the cleaning element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the cover rotatable relative to the camera lens. The cover can dynamically change its position between blocking the lens (for cleaning access) and not blocking the lens (for normal operation). This rotational movement allows the system to transition between cleaning mode and viewing mode, resolving the contradiction between effective cleaning and view blockage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cleaning function from the viewing function by using a separate rotatable cover that can be independently positioned. The cover acts as a separate component that can be rotated into place for cleaning and rotated away for normal operation, allowing the cleaning element to access the lens without permanently blocking the view.
2Reliability
If the camera is physically moved for cleaning, then the lens can be cleaned, but the system becomes more complex and requires additional space
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the camera for cleaning, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the camera stationary and moving the cover relative to it. The cover rotates into position to expose the lens to cleaning elements, while the camera remains fixed in its optimal position for image capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cleaning access function from the camera housing by using a separate rotatable cover. This cover can be independently rotated to provide access to the lens for cleaning, separating the cleaning mechanism from the camera body and reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If a dome shaped cover is spun rapidly to dispel extraneous matter, then the lens can be cleaned, but the solution requires a lot of installation space and is rather complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by employing air streams to blow away extraneous matter from the lens. Instead of mechanically spinning a large dome cover, compressed air is directed at the lens surface to remove dirt and contaminants, significantly reducing the space required for the cleaning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical dome spinning system with a simpler pneumatic air stream system. The air stream mechanism uses compressed air to achieve lens cleaning without requiring the large rotational mechanical structure, thereby reducing installation space and mechanical complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras with different angles are used, then comprehensive vehicle surroundings can be monitored, but a universal cleaning solution is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized rotatable cover mechanism that can be used with multiple cameras having different angles and types (including narrow angle and fish eye cameras). The same cover design and cleaning mechanism work universally across different camera configurations, eliminating the need for camera-specific cleaning solutions.
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 solution provides a universal cleaning system that maintains continuous recording with high-quality images, protects sensitive optics, and avoids the need to physically move cameras during cleaning, effectively addressing the limitations of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
using a motor or air stream for movement
Implementation Method 2
incorporates a cleaning system with brushes, lips, and a nozzle for continuous cleaning
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~5
Figure 6a~8b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a cleaning system (1, 1') for a camera lens comprising a cover (2, 2', 2", 2" ') adapted to at least partially enclose at least one camera (3, 3', 3", 3"') having at least one camera lens; drive means adapted to rotationally move the cover (2, 2', 2", 2"') relative to the camera (3, 3', 3", 3"'); and a housing (4, 4') adapted to hold the cover (2, 2', 2", 2"') and the drive means, wherein the housing (4, 4') at least partially encloses the cover (2, 2', 2", 2"') and comprises at least one opening (5, 5', 5") for allowing electromagnetic radiation to pass through the cover (2, 2', 2", 2'") to the lens. The invention also relates to a rear view display for a vehicle comprising such a cleaning system (1, 1'), and to a vehicle comprising such a rear view display.