Vehicle Camera Optics With Water-Drain Gap and Sight Opening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Camera systems for vehicles face challenges in reliably removing water drops from the optical element under varying environmental conditions, leading to impaired image capture and potential blind spots for the driver, which can result in accidents.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with a protection element that focuses on removing water drops only from the part of the optical element relevant for depiction, using a protection element with a sight opening and gap configuration to direct water drops away from the critical viewing area, combined with a hydrophobic coating and capillary action to enhance water removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a protection element covers the optical element to protect it from water drops, then the protection against water drops is improved, but the light transmission and image capture are worsened due to blocking the optical path
Solution Approach 1:
The protection element is segmented with a sight opening that selectively exposes only the use portion of the optical element while covering other portions. This segmentation allows light transmission through the uncovered use portion while protecting other areas from water drops, resolving the contradiction between protection and light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection element applies protective coverage locally only to specific portions of the optical element that are not needed for image capture (the non-use portions). The sight opening provides local transparency where light transmission is required, creating different protective qualities in different locations of the optical element.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the protection element covers the entire optical element, then water drop protection is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and design flexibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The protection element is designed as a separate, removable component with a specific sight opening geometry rather than integrating protection into the entire optical assembly. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing and allows the protection element to be produced independently and installed separately, improving ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection element serves multiple functions: it protects the optical element from water drops, defines the sight opening geometry, and can be removed or replaced. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system design, improving ease of manufacture.
3Area of stationary object
If cameras are mounted on the outer side of the vehicle to capture environment, then the field of view is improved, but the exposure to environmental impacts like water drops and pollution is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The protection element is designed with a sight opening that segments the optical element into covered and uncovered portions. This allows the camera to remain mounted on the outer side for optimal field of view while the protection element selectively shields portions of the optical element from environmental contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection element acts as an intermediary between the camera system and the external environment. It mediates by allowing light transmission through the sight opening while blocking harmful environmental factors like water drops and pollution from directly contacting the optical element.
4Manufacturing precision
If water drops are removed from the optical element, then image quality is improved, but the risk of water drops entering the camera system and causing damage is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The protection element extracts and isolates the water drop removal function to a specific gap region between the protection element and the optical element. Water drops are directed into this gap and removed without needing to access the internal camera components, maintaining image quality while protecting the camera system from water intrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap between the protection element and the optical element serves as an intermediary space for water drop removal. This intermediate region allows water drops to be accessed and removed from the optical element surface without requiring direct access to the camera system interior, thus preventing water intrusion while maintaining image quality.
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
Ensures reliable and uninterrupted visibility of the vehicle environment by effectively removing water drops from the critical viewing area, even under changing environmental conditions, reducing the risk of accidents and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
The optical element (11) has a hydrophobic coating
Implementation Method 2
combined with a hydrophobic coating and capillary action to enhance water removal
Data Source
AI summary
Camera system having a camera for a vehicle (F) for capturing the environment around the vehicle and a protection element. The camera has an optical element, with a light incidence portion (EB) and a retainer, which supports the optical element. The protection element is provided separately to the optical element and the retainer and is positioned at least on the light incidence portion (EB) of the optical element. The protection element has a sight opening, which exposes a use portion (NB) of the light incidence portion (EB). At least one gap between the optical element and the protection element for receiving a water drop (T), which is located on the use portion (NB), and a water drainage opening s distal from the sight opening is provided.