Rotating Optical Sensor Shield for Self-Cleaning Vehicle Cameras
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Exterior-mounted cameras in driving assistance systems are prone to dirt and water splashes, which reduce their effectiveness and increase operational costs due to the need for frequent cleaning with large quantities of cleaning liquids.
Innovation Solution
A motorized device with a rotor and stator configuration, featuring a hollow motor with an internal rotor and magnetic mass, rotates a casing and optical element to use centrifugal force for cleaning, reducing noise and spatial requirements while protecting the camera optic from fouling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning liquid jets are used to clean the camera optic, then the camera can be cleaned, but the operating costs increase due to large quantities of cleaning liquid required
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is designed to rotate about its optical axis using a motor with internal rotor, generating centrifugal force that automatically removes dirt and water splashes from its surface. This self-cleaning mechanism eliminates the need for cleaning liquid jets and reduces operating costs while maintaining camera operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism converts the harmful effect of water splashes and dirt deposition into a beneficial self-cleaning process. By rotating the optical element, centrifugal force transforms the accumulation of contaminants into their automatic removal, turning a problematic situation into a solution.
2Manufacturing precision
If the optical element is placed outside the vehicle for optimal viewing angle, then parking assistance effectiveness is improved, but the camera becomes exposed to dirt and water splashes
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element mounted outside the vehicle performs self-cleaning through rotation about its optical axis. The centrifugal force generated during rotation automatically removes dirt and water splashes that deposit on its surface, allowing the camera to maintain optimal viewing angle while operating in harsh external environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element transitions from a static position vulnerable to contamination to a dynamic rotating state that actively cleans itself. The motor with internal rotor enables this dynamic behavior, allowing the optical element to adapt to environmental conditions by rotating and removing contaminants in real-time.
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 maintains the camera's field of vision clear by rotating the optical element and casing to eliminate fouling, reducing noise and operational costs associated with cleaning liquids, while minimizing spatial requirements and mechanical friction.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator coupled to the casing in order to rotate the casing and the optical element and thus allow the elimination of fouling by a centrifugal effect
Implementation Method 2
the actuator including a rotor and a stator which are configured such that the actuator is a motor having an internal rotor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for protecting an optical sensor for a motor vehicle, said optical sensor comprising an optic, a casing mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation (A1) and having a housing configured to receive the optical sensor, an optical element rigidly attached to the casing and configured to be arranged in the field of vision of the optical sensor, and an actuator coupled to the casing in order to rotate the casing and the optical element, the actuator comprising a rotor and a stator configured such that actuator is a motor with an internal rotor.