Vehicle Imaging Device Protector with Flexible Boot Cleaner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging device protectors and cleaners for vehicles do not effectively protect and clean the lens of imaging devices before use, and fail to provide a reliable mechanism for safe storage and deployment.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an imaging device enclosure with a housing that includes a motor-operated mobile wedge and a flexible boot, allowing the imaging device to be slidably moved between deployed and non-deployed positions, with the flexible boot acting as a lens cleaner by wiping debris and fluids during deployment and storage, and a shutter mechanism to obstruct the lens when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the imaging device is exposed during storage, then the lens can be cleaned by the flexible boot, but the lens is vulnerable to debris and moisture accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible boot performs preliminary cleaning action on the lens during the deployment and retraction movements, before the imaging device is fully exposed for operation. This preliminary cleaning prevents debris and moisture accumulation that would otherwise occur during storage periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible boot acts as an intermediary element between the lens and the external environment. During deployment and retraction, it contacts and cleans the lens surface, removing harmful factors while allowing the lens to transition between protected and operational states.
2Strength
If the imaging device is kept in a protective enclosure, then the lens is protected from damage, but the lens cannot be accessed for imaging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device is designed with dynamic deployment capability, allowing it to transition between a retracted protected state within the enclosure and an extended operational state where the lens is accessible for imaging operations. The mobile wedge mechanism enables smooth transitions between these states.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective enclosure is segmented into a stationary housing and a mobile wedge that can move independently. This segmentation allows the imaging device to be partially extracted from the enclosure for operation while the majority remains protected within the housing structure.
3Strength
If a rigid protective cover is used, then the imaging device is well protected, but the cleaning function is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover incorporates a flexible boot made of elastomeric material that can deform and contact the lens surface. This flexibility enables the boot to perform cleaning functions through wiping and sweeping motions during deployment and retraction, while still providing robust protective coverage when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the protective cover are changed by using an elastomeric material with specific hardness and flexibility characteristics. This parameter change allows the cover to transition from a purely rigid protective structure to one that can also perform cleaning functions through controlled deformation and contact with the lens.
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 protects and cleans the imaging device lens, ensuring it is ready for use while preventing debris and moisture accumulation, and provides a secure storage mechanism to prevent accidental activation or damage.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible boot acts as a lens cleaner by wiping debris and fluids during deployment and storage
Implementation Method 2
A motor is disposed in the housing and is operably connected with a mobile wedge. The mobile wedge is operable between an extended position and a retracted position.
Implementation Method 3
A motor is disposed in the housing and is connected with a cam. Activation of the motor rotates the cam to a first position corresponding with the raised position of the imaging device.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device enclosure for a vehicle including a housing having an image device aperture. A motor is disposed in the housing and is operably connected with a mobile wedge. The mobile wedge is operable between an extended position and a retracted position. An imaging device is slidably connected with the mobile wedge and is movable between the retracted position corresponding to the extended position of the mobile wedge and the extended position corresponding to the retracted position. A flexible boot is disposed over the image device aperture. The flexible boot defines a flexible opening. The imaging device protrudes through the flexible opening when the imaging device is in the extended position.