Transducer-Induced Heating for Lens Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic optical sensors, such as camera lenses, often face image degradation due to environmental contaminants like moisture and dirt, which can compromise safety and security, and current cleaning methods like water sprayers or air jets are not practical or cost-effective in many applications.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectric transducer system that vibrates the lens element in a heating and cleaning mode, controlled by a computing device that estimates temperature to prevent overheating and effectively remove contaminants without damaging the transducer, using ultrasonic vibrations and controlled heating to disperse moisture and dirt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a transducer is used to vibrate the lens element for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the transducer may overheat and be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the transducer's electrical characteristics (impedance, resonant frequency) to detect temperature changes and adjusts or stops operation before damage occurs, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that prevents overheating while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (vibration frequency, amplitude, duty cycle) based on detected temperature conditions, allowing the transducer to operate safely across varying thermal states while maintaining effective cleaning performance
2Productivity
If traditional cleaning methods like water sprayers or air jets are used, then cleaning capability is achieved, but cost and practicality are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lens cleaning system uses the transducer's own vibration capability to clean the lens surface, eliminating the need for external water sprayers, air jets, or mechanical wipers, thereby reducing system cost and complexity while maintaining effective cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer serves dual functions: both focusing adjustment and lens surface cleaning, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms and reducing overall system cost and complexity
3Productivity
If the transducer operates at high power for heating mode, then moisture removal is improved, but temperature control becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time monitoring of electrical characteristics to detect temperature rise and automatically adjusts power levels or terminates heating mode before dangerous temperatures are reached, providing passive temperature control without additional sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The heating operation is conducted in periodic cycles with on/off intervals, allowing the lens to reach effective temperatures for moisture removal while preventing excessive heat accumulation that could damage the transducer
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 cost-effective and efficient method to maintain image quality by ensuring the transducer operates within safe temperature ranges, extending its lifespan and ensuring continuous operation without the need for costly additional components like thermocouples.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer vibrates a lens element in a heating mode and a cleaning mode
Implementation Method 2
a transducer vibrates a lens element in a heating mode and a cleaning mode
Data Source
AI summary
In described examples, a transducer vibrates a lens element in a heating mode and a cleaning mode. Controller circuitry activates the transducer in the heating mode in response to an estimated temperature, and activates the transducer in the cleaning mode after the transducer is activated in the heating mode.