Rotating Optical Sensor Cover with Induction Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driving assistance systems with external cameras face issues with dirt deposition and mist/frost formation on the optics, leading to reduced operability, especially in adverse weather conditions, and current solutions either increase operating costs or are cumbersome and ineffective against fog or frost.
Innovation Solution
A protective device for optical sensors in driving assistance systems, featuring a rotating optical element with a heating component and an induction system to prevent dirt deposition and mist/frost formation, using a primary and secondary coil configuration for efficient power supply without contact, ensuring optimal camera functionality regardless of weather.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is installed externally to improve viewing angle, then the viewing angle and parking assistance capability are improved, but the camera becomes exposed to dirt and debris accumulation on the lens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful function of the lens surface by introducing a separate removable protective element that can be taken out and cleaned independently, while the camera remains in its optimal external position for viewing angle
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function is segmented from the camera lens by introducing a separate protective element (such as a protective cover or removable lens) that can be independently maintained, allowing the camera to stay externally mounted
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a lens cleaning device with fluid nozzle is installed to remove contaminants, then dirt removal capability is improved, but operating costs increase due to significant quantities of cleaning fluid required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fluid-based cleaning system with a mechanical cleaning element (such as a removable protective cover that can be physically removed and cleaned), eliminating the need for cleaning fluid
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning function is extracted from the optical path by using a removable protective element that can be taken out for cleaning without requiring fluid injection into the optical system
3Object-affected harmful factors
If vibration device is used to dislodge dirt from the lens, then dirt removal is improved, but the device offers no means of preventing fog or frost formation on the protective lens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the protective element serve multiple functions: it protects against dirt accumulation, can be removed for cleaning, and includes heating capability to prevent fog and frost formation, replacing the need for separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the protective cover function with heating elements and removable design into a single integrated protective element that addresses multiple harmful factors simultaneously
4Object-affected harmful factors
If protective housing is used to protect the camera, then protection against dirt is improved, but the housing becomes very bulky which contradicts the objective of reducing size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protective function from a bulky housing structure and concentrates it into a thin, removable protective element (such as a protective cover or film) that provides protection without adding significant volume
5Object-affected harmful factors
If heating component is added to prevent fog and frost, then fog and frost prevention is improved, but electromagnetic noise from traditional power supply may interfere with and distort images captured by the optical sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical power supply with an induction heating system that uses electromagnetic induction from an external source, eliminating the need for direct electrical connections that generate noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an induction coupling system as an intermediary between the power source and the heating element, allowing contactless power transfer that avoids electromagnetic noise generation within the optical path
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 dirt accumulation and mist/frost formation on the optical sensors, maintaining the driving assistance system's operability across various weather conditions while minimizing noise and electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating component configured to heat the optical element in order to enable defogging or defrosting of this optical element
Implementation Method 2
an induction system configured to power the heating component. The induction system comprises a fixed primary circuit and a secondary circuit that is movable relative to the primary circuit around the axis of rotation
Implementation Method 3
an optical element configured to be positioned upstream of the optical sensor's optics and mounted to rotate about an axis
Data Source
Figure 1~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a protection device (3) for an optical sensor (13) of a driving assistance system (1) for a motor vehicle, the optical sensor (13) comprising an optic (14), and the protection device (3) comprising: • an optical element (9) configured to be disposed upstream of the optic (14) of the optical sensor (13) and mounted movable about an axis of rotation (A1), and • an actuator (5) configured to drive the optical element (9) in rotation, characterized in that the protection device (3) further comprises: • at least one heating component (7) configured to heat the optical element (9) in order to allow the demisting or defrosting of this optical element (9), and • an induction system (8) configured to power the heating component (7).