Image Sensor Cleaning Alignment for Precise Particle Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning apparatuses for detection surfaces, such as image sensors, lack precision and versatility in removing foreign particles, often requiring skilled operators and failing to adapt to various types of detection elements and surface sizes.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning apparatus with a fixing unit, adjustment mechanism, and measurement unit that attaches to the detection device, allowing for precise positioning and inclination adjustment of cleaning members, including non-contact air blowing and contact-type wiping, to effectively remove foreign particles from detection surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a user cleans the image capturing surface by him/herself, then the cleaning cost is reduced, but the risk of damaging the image capturing surface increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning costVSAvoiddamage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated cleaning apparatus that uses controlled air blowing and adhesive sheets to remove foreign particles, eliminating the need for users to manually touch or wipe the image sensor surface, thus preventing damage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary cleaning apparatus between the user and the image sensor, where the apparatus performs the cleaning function using specialized mechanisms (air blowing, adhesive sheets) that are designed to be safe for the detection surface, thereby mediating the interaction and preventing direct damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If a trained operator cleans the imaging surface at a service store, then the cleaning quality is improved, but the cleaning cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning qualityVSAvoidcleaning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables self-service cleaning by providing an automated apparatus that users can operate themselves without requiring trained operators, achieving consistent cleaning quality through automated control mechanisms while eliminating the need to transport devices to service stores

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the skill-dependent manual cleaning process with an automated system that uses controlled air blowing and adhesive sheet mechanisms, eliminating variability in cleaning quality based on operator skill while reducing cleaning time and cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If existing cleaning apparatuses are used, then the cleaning process is simplified, but the precision and versatility in removing foreign particles deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning process simplicityVSAvoidforeign particle removal precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cleaning function into multiple specialized cleaning members (air blowing mechanism, adhesive sheet mechanism) that can be selectively applied based on the type of foreign particles, achieving high precision removal while maintaining ease of operation through automated selection and application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a multi-functional cleaning apparatus that can handle various types of foreign particles (large solids, adhesive oils, fine dust) using different cleaning mechanisms, providing both precision and versatility while maintaining simple operation through automated control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If cleaning apparatuses are designed for specific detection elements, then the cleaning precision is improved, but the adaptability to various detection elements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning precisionVSAvoidadaptability to detection elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal cleaning apparatus with adjustable cleaning members and multiple cleaning mechanisms that can adapt to different types and sizes of detection elements, maintaining high cleaning precision through adjustable parameters while providing broad adaptability across various detection device formats

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 apparatus ensures accurate and versatile cleaning of detection surfaces, reducing the risk of damage and effectively removing various types of foreign particles, including large solids and adhesive oils, while maintaining surface integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a measurement unit configured to measure a position and an inclination of the detection element of the detection device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Light

Implementation Method 2

cleaning the front surface of an imaging surface by wiping the surface using wind pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWind pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

cleaning the front surface of an imaging surface by wiping the surface using an adhesive sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive force: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11451690B2Cleaning apparatus and cleaning method for an image sensor
Publication Date: 2022.09.20 CANON KK
  • US11451690B2 patent drawing
  • US11451690B2 patent drawing
  • US11451690B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cleaning apparatus that includes a cleaning member and cleans a detection surface of a detection element included in a detection device includes a fixing unit configured to fix the detection device attached to the cleaning apparatus, an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a position of the detection device with respect to the cleaning apparatus and a measurement unit configured to measure a position and an inclination of the detection element of the detection device.