Rotating Camera Lens Protector for Driver Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driver-assistance systems with exterior cameras face issues due to exposure to organic and mineral dirt, leading to decreased effectiveness and increased operational costs for cleaning, with known solutions being either ineffective for tenacious grime or excessively bulky and difficult to assemble.
Innovation Solution
A modular protecting device comprising two separate subassemblies: a rotating housing for the camera and a motorized actuator, allowing for easy assembly and installation without additional holders, utilizing centrifugal force to clean the camera lens effectively while minimizing bulk and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is installed on the exterior of the vehicle to achieve optimal viewing angle, then the angle of view is improved, but the camera is exposed to dirt and grime deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The protecting device is divided into two separate subassemblies: a first subassembly containing the housing and optical element that can rotate, and a second subassembly containing the actuator. This segmentation allows the protective function to be separated from the camera housing, enabling effective cleaning while maintaining optimal camera positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The first subassembly is designed to rotate about an axis of rotation, transforming from a static protective cover to a dynamic cleaning mechanism. The actuator drives this rotation to generate centrifugal force that removes dirt from the optical element, making the protective device actively self-cleaning rather than passively protective.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a sprayer of cleaning liquid is used to remove dirt from the camera optic, then dirt removal is achieved, but operating costs increase due to large amounts of cleaning liquid required
Solution Approach 1:
The protecting device performs self-cleaning through the rotation of the first subassembly driven by the actuator. The centrifugal force generated during rotation automatically removes dirt from the optical element without requiring external cleaning liquid, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating ongoing consumable costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical cleaning method (sprayer using cleaning liquid) is replaced with a mechanical cleaning method (rotation generating centrifugal force). This substitution eliminates the need for cleaning liquid while achieving effective dirt removal through mechanical means.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If means for vibrating a protecting window are provided to shed dirt, then dirt shedding is achieved, but effectiveness is limited for tenacious and encrusted grime
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static vibration to dynamic rotation, generating centrifugal force that acts more effectively on tenacious and encrusted grime. The rotational motion creates stronger and more comprehensive cleaning action compared to simple vibration, improving reliability for difficult-to-remove dirt.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a protecting device with camera housing is provided, then protection is achieved, but the device becomes very bulky and difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The protecting device is segmented into two separate subassemblies that can be produced and assembled independently. The first subassembly contains the housing and optical element, while the second subassembly contains the actuator. This segmentation reduces overall complexity and facilitates easier assembly compared to an integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The first subassembly serves multiple functions: it houses the optical sensor, provides the optical element for protection, and acts as the rotating component for cleaning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, decreasing overall device bulk and assembly complexity.
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 effectively prevents grime deposition on camera optics, maintains camera effectiveness, reduces operational costs, and simplifies assembly and installation, addressing the bulk and complexity issues of existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing centrifugal force to clean the camera lens effectively
Data Source
AI summary
A device for protecting an optical sensor of a driver-assistance system for a motor vehicle, a corresponding driver-assistance system and a corresponding assembling process are disclosed. The optical sensor includes an optic and two assembled separate subassemblies. A first subassembly is mounted so as to be able to rotate about an axis of rotation and includes a housing that is configured to at least partially receive the optical sensor and an optical element that is configured to be placed upstream of the optic of the optical sensor. A second subassembly includes an actuator that is configured to drive the first subassembly to rotate.