Rotating Lens Self-Cleaning System for Vision Protective Gear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vision protective devices like goggles and face shields lack automated mechanisms for removing liquid and solid debris from lens surfaces, making it difficult for users to maintain clear visibility, especially in situations where manual clearing is hazardous or impractical.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning system integrated into the vision protective device, featuring a chassis with angularly displaceable lenses and wiper blade units driven by a motorized mechanism, which clears debris from the lens surfaces before they enter the user's field of view, allowing for hands-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If manual clearing action is performed, then visibility is temporarily improved, but user safety deteriorates due to distraction and loss of hands-on control
Solution Approach 1:
The lens cleaning system operates autonomously without requiring user intervention. The wiper blade automatically engages with the lens surface and is driven by a motor to clear debris, allowing the system to service itself while the user maintains full attention on their primary task
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical wiping action is replaced with an automated motor-driven wiper blade system. The motor converts electrical energy to mechanical motion, driving the wiper blade across the lens surface to remove debris automatically
2Illumination intensity
If repeated manual clearing actions are performed, then visibility is maintained, but hazard potential increases to untenable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The automated wiper blade system provides continuous or periodic cleaning action without interruption to the user's primary activity. The motor-driven mechanism can operate continuously or on a timed basis, maintaining constant lens clarity without requiring repeated manual interventions that increase hazard exposure
3Ease of operation
If automated wiper blade system is added, then hands-free operation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens assembly incorporates a rotatable lens with angular displacement capability, allowing the lens to rotate into and out of the user's field of view. This dynamic positioning enables the wiper blade to clean the lens surface without obstructing the user's vision during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the cleaning function from the viewing function by using a rotatable lens mechanism. The lens can be rotated to a cleaning position where the wiper blade accesses the surface, then rotated back to the viewing position, dividing the operational sequence into distinct functional segments
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 effectively maintains clear visibility by automatically removing debris from the lens surfaces, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing hazards associated with manual clearing, ensuring continuous and safe visibility during use.
Implementation Method 1
a blade portion emerging therefrom to engage the outer surface of the lens
Implementation Method 2
The lens is angularly displaced in selectively driven manner relative to the wiper blade unit
Data Source
AI summary
A self-cleaning system for a vision protective lens comprises a chassis configured to be worn on a user's head, the chassis having a main body portion defining a field of view. At least one lens is coupled in angularly displaceable manner to the chassis and disposed to extend at least partially across the field of view. At least one wiper blade unit is supported on the chassis to extend across an outer surface of the lens about the field of view. The wiper blade unit includes a blade portion engaging the outer surface of the lens. A drive portion is coupled to selectively drive angular displacement of the lens. The lens is angularly displaced in selectively driven manner relative to the wiper blade unit; and, the lens is at least partially wiped by the blade portion to be cleared prior to advancement angularly into the field of view.