Ultrasonic Lens Cleaning Module for Vehicle Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Camera lenses, especially those in harsh environments like vehicle rear-view cameras, often suffer from poor image quality due to contamination from dirt and mud, which is difficult to clean effectively during operation.
Innovation Solution
A lens assembly with a transducer attached to the lens that vibrates ultrasonically to remove contaminants, either with the aid of cleaning fluid or using environmental fluids like rainwater, ensuring optimal vibration frequency for effective cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning methods are used for camera lenses in harsh environments, then cleaning can be performed, but cleaning effectiveness is poor and manual intervention is required during vehicle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The lens assembly performs self-cleaning through an integrated ultrasonic transducer that vibrates the lens surface to dislodge contaminants. The system uses environmental fluids (rainwater, road spray) already present in the vehicle's operating environment, eliminating the need for separate cleaning mechanisms or manual intervention. This self-service approach ensures continuous cleaning capability while maintaining image quality consistency in harsh conditions.
2Productivity
If cleaning fluid is applied manually to the lens, then contaminants can be removed, but the cleaning process is inconvenient and interrupts vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ultrasonic transducer directly with the lens assembly, merging the cleaning function into the existing optical component. This integration allows the lens to be cleaned in-situ without requiring separate cleaning mechanisms, manual fluid application systems, or interruption of vehicle operation. The simplified design maintains productivity while avoiding excessive device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lens is exposed to environmental contaminants during vehicle operation, then the camera captures real-world images, but image quality deteriorates due to dirt and mud accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducer generates high-frequency mechanical vibrations that propagate through the lens assembly. These vibrations create acoustic streaming and cavitation effects in the cleaning fluid, producing micro-jets and shock waves that dislodge and remove contaminants from the lens surface. This mechanical vibration mechanism enables continuous operation in harsh environments while preventing image quality deterioration from contamination.
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 ensures continuous and effective cleaning of camera lenses, maintaining image quality even in challenging conditions by using ultrasonic vibrations to dislodge and remove contaminants without requiring manual intervention during vehicle movement.
Implementation Method 1
A lens module includes a first lens and a transducer attached to the first lens... vibrating the lens with a transducer attached to the lens
Data Source
AI summary
A lens assembly includes a first lens and a transducer attached to the first lens. A method of cleaning a lens includes vibrating the lens with a transducer attached to the lens. A method of making a lens assembly includes mounting a first lens above a second lens and attaching a transducer to the first lens.