Transparent Shield Device with Localized Hydrophilic Zone for Camera Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
On-vehicle cameras installed on windshields face unsatisfactory detection results due to raindrops obstructing the field of view, especially when the windshield has a water-repellent treatment, as raindrops move through the sensing zone during various driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A transparent shield device with a hydrophilic portion and a water-repellent portion is applied to the windshield, where the hydrophilic portion is located outside the sensing zone to guide raindrops away from the camera's field of view, and the water-repellent portion is within the sensing zone to prevent raindrops from entering, ensuring clear detection even in rainy conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a water-repellent treatment is applied to the entire windshield, then raindrops are repelled from the sensing zone, but raindrops move along the windshield and pass through the sensing zone during rain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface properties to different zones: the sensing zone maintains water-repellent properties to prevent raindrop adhesion, while the surrounding zone has water-attracting properties to guide raindrops away from the sensing zone. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by making each zone serve its specific function rather than applying a uniform treatment across the entire windshield.
Solution Approach 2:
The surrounding zone acts as an intermediary between the water-repellent sensing zone and the external environment. It captures and redirects raindrops before they can enter the sensing zone, serving as a buffer that protects the primary sensing area while allowing the water-repellent treatment to remain effective in its designated zone.
2Ease of operation
If the windshield has a water-repellent treatment, then raindrops move downwardly during rain, but many raindrops pass through the sensing zone when the vehicle travels at low speed
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a local water-attracting zone surrounding the water-repellent sensing zone, the patent modifies the local raindrop movement pattern. Raindrops are attracted to the surrounding zone and guided along its contour, preventing them from entering the sensing zone even when moving downwardly at low speeds.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle travels at high speed, then wind produces upward movement of raindrops, but many raindrops moved upwardly pass through the sensing zone
Solution Approach 1:
The surrounding water-attracting zone creates a localized field that captures and redirects upwardly moving raindrops. The contour of this zone guides raindrops along its boundary, preventing them from penetrating into the water-repellent sensing zone regardless of the upward force generated by high-speed wind.
Solution Approach 2:
The surrounding zone serves as an intermediary barrier that intercepts upwardly moving raindrops before they reach the sensing zone. It redirects these raindrops along its contour, acting as a protective buffer that maintains sensing zone clarity under high-speed conditions.
4Productivity
If windshield wipers are used during rain, then raindrops are removed from the windshield, but the field of view is still obstructed by raindrops moved upwardly along the windshield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized water-attracting zone that actively captures and redirects raindrops away from the windshield's upper regions. This local modification prevents raindrops from being blown upward into the field of view, complementing the windshield wiper's raindrop removal function by addressing a different raindrop transport mechanism.
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 limits raindrop entry into the camera's field of view, allowing for satisfactory image capture and improved visibility for vehicle occupants, regardless of driving speed or weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a water-repellent portion, which is water-repellent and located in the enlarged sensing zone
Implementation Method 2
a hydrophilic portion, which is hydrophilic and located in the surrounding zone
Data Source
AI summary
This transparent shield device has a windshield that is disposed in the sensing direction of an onboard camera. The windshield has an outer surface that is exposed to the outside. The outer surface has an extended imaging area, which includes the imaging area of the onboard camera, and a surrounding area. Furthermore, the transparent shield device has a water-repellent sticker that is positioned within the extended imaging area and/or a water-attracting coating layer that is positioned within the surrounding area. Liquid droplets deposited on the outer surface can be moved out of the imaging area or prevented from entering the imaging area from the surrounding area.