Vehicle Camera Lens Cleaning via Magnetic Shutter Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cameras mounted externally on vehicles face frequent dirt accumulation on lenses due to exposure to wind and rain, requiring frequent manual cleaning, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A camera design featuring a magnetic contact member made of rubber, which automatically wipes the lens clean as the shutter opens and closes, and an integrated heater to evaporate moisture, reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the shutter is opened to allow light entry, then the camera can capture images, but the lens is exposed to wind and rain causing dirt accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The contact member automatically cleans the lens by utilizing the existing shutter movement. As the shutter opens and closes, the contact member rubs against the lens surface, removing dirt and moisture without requiring separate manual intervention or additional cleaning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact member is made of a magnetic material that changes its adhesive properties based on magnetic attraction. When magnetic force is applied, the contact member adheres to the shutter; when magnetic force is removed, it detaches to contact and clean the lens, creating a cyclical cleaning action synchronized with shutter operation.
2Reliability
If manual cleaning is performed frequently to remove dirt, then the lens remains clear, but time and effort are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is automated through the contact member that passively cleans the lens during normal shutter operation. This eliminates the need for manual cleaning interventions, freeing up time and effort while maintaining consistent lens clarity through continuous automatic cleaning cycles.
3Extent of automation
If the contact member is made of magnetic material to attach to shutter, then automatic cleaning is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment mechanism replaces complex mechanical fastening systems such as screws, clips, or adhesives. The magnetic material in the contact member simply attaches to the magnetically attractable shutter through magnetic force, providing a clean, simple, and reliable attachment method that reduces structural complexity while enabling automatic cleaning 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 solution significantly reduces the maintenance burden by automating the cleaning process and ensuring the camera lenses remain clear with minimal manual intervention, even in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the contact member comprises a magnetic material and is attracted to the shutter with a magnetic force from the magnetic material
Implementation Method 2
a heater configured to heat the lens
Data Source
AI summary
A camera with a low maintenance burden is provided. A camera (1) includes a housing (2) having an opening (21), a lens (3) accommodated in the housing (2) to collect light entering through the opening (21), a shutter (4) that opens and closes the opening (21), and a contact member (5) attached to an inner surface of the shutter (4) to come in contact with the lens (3). The contact member (5) comprises a magnetic material and is attracted to the shutter (4) with a magnetic force from the magnetic material.