Rotating Camera Housing With Internal Rotor for Self-Cleaning Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driving assistance systems with external cameras are prone to dirt and weather-related hazards, leading to reduced effectiveness and increased operational costs due to the need for frequent cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A protective device featuring a housing mounted for rotation around an axis, with an internal rotor motor and a stator configuration, utilizing a magnetic mass and stepped rotor design to minimize noise and unbalance, allowing effective centrifugal cleaning of the camera optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is installed outside the vehicle to achieve optimal viewing angle, then the viewing angle and parking assistance effectiveness are improved, but the camera is exposed to dirt and weather hazards that reduce its operability
Solution Approach 1:
The housing rotates under its own weight (or with minimal actuation) to allow dirt to be removed by centrifugal force or rain, enabling the camera to clean itself without external intervention. The rotational movement exposes different surfaces to environmental elements that naturally clean the optics.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to rotate dynamically between different positions, transitioning from a protected position to a cleaning position and back. This dynamic movement allows the system to adapt between protection mode and cleaning mode, resolving the contradiction between staying protected and allowing self-cleaning.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cleaning fluid nozzle is used to remove dirt deposits, then the camera cleanliness is improved, but the operating costs increase due to large quantities of cleaning fluid required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using external cleaning fluid, the system uses the camera housing itself as the cleaning mechanism. By rotating the housing, dirt is removed through centrifugal force or natural rain wash, eliminating the need for cleaning fluid consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical cleaning system using fluid nozzles is replaced with a rotational mechanical system that uses centrifugal force and environmental elements (rain) to achieve cleaning without consuming cleaning substances.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the rotor extends within the stator volume with magnetic mass, then the noise and unbalance are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to stepped profile and intermediate parts
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is divided into multiple segments or portions (first portion with magnetic mass, second portion as intermediate part, third portion as drive portion) that can be independently designed and positioned. This segmentation allows optimization of noise and unbalance while managing the complexity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor portions are nested or integrated in a hierarchical structure where the magnetic mass portion is contained within the overall rotor assembly, and the drive portion extends to the housing. This nesting allows compact arrangement that reduces noise and unbalance while organizing complexity in a structured way.
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 reliable and efficient method to maintain the camera's field of view by reducing noise and unbalance, ensuring the camera's effectiveness while minimizing operational costs through reduced cleaning fluid usage.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator coupled to the housing to drive the housing and the optical element in rotation, the actuator comprising a rotor and a stator configured so that the actuator is an internal rotor motor
Implementation Method 2
allow the removal of dirt by a centrifugal effect
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (3) for protecting an optical sensor (13) for a motor vehicle (100), said optical sensor (13) comprising an optic (14). - a casing (6) mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation (A1) and having a housing (19) configured to receive the optical sensor (13), - an optical element (9) rigidly attached to the casing (6) and configured to be arranged in the field of vision of the optical sensor (13), and - an actuator (6) coupled to the casing (6) in order to rotate the casing (6) and the optical element (9), the actuator (5) comprising a rotor (51) and a stator (53) configured such that actuator is a motor with an internal rotor.