Retractable Vehicle Camera Shield for Glare and Rain Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle exterior cameras are susceptible to glare, rain, and debris, which affect image capture quality and can compromise driver convenience and autonomous vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle camera system with a retractable shield and optional air washer, controlled by a processor, automatically adjusts to shield the lens from glare, rain, and debris, enhancing image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed camera housing is used, then the device complexity is low, but the image quality deteriorates due to glare, rain, and debris affecting the lens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a retractable shield that can move between extended and retracted positions. The shield transitions from a static, fixed structure to a dynamic, movable component that adapts its position based on environmental conditions such as glare, rain, or debris detection, thereby protecting the lens while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by extending the shield before harmful elements (glare, rain, debris) can affect the lens. The system proactively positions the shield in front of the lens when adverse conditions are detected, preventing contamination or damage before it occurs, rather than reacting after damage has happened.
2Reliability
If a retractable shield is added to protect the lens, then image quality improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable shield is designed to perform multiple functions: it blocks glare from sunlight or headlights, prevents rain and snow from accumulating on the lens, and stops debris from impacting the lens. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive protection against various environmental hazards with a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect adverse conditions (glare, rain, debris) and trigger the shield's extension without requiring manual intervention. The camera system serves itself by monitoring its own environment and activating protective measures autonomously, reducing the need for external control systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the shield is always extended to protect from glare, then protection is maximized, but the field of view is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shield's position is dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of environmental conditions. When glare, rain, or debris is detected, the shield extends to provide protection. When conditions are clear, the shield retracts to minimize obstruction of the field of view. This dynamic positioning allows the system to optimize both protection and visibility at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is designed to extend only when and where needed - specifically in front of the lens when adverse conditions are present. Rather than permanently blocking the entire field of view, the shield provides localized protection precisely at the lens area when required, leaving the rest of the viewing area unobstructed during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including a housing, a camera and a shield is disclosed. The camera may be disposed in the housing, and may include a lens that may face away from a housing interior portion. The shield may be configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. The shield may protect/shield the lens from glare in the extended position, and may not shield the lens in the retracted position. The shield may include a gutter structure disposed at a shield distal edge, which may be configured to protect the lens from rain water in the extended position. A gutter structure plane may be perpendicular to a shield plane.