Vibration Device Non-Equilibrium Structure for Raindrop Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration devices for imaging units in vehicles struggle to effectively remove foreign matter like raindrops from light transmissive bodies while maintaining the field of view, as they often rely on vibration modes that collect and atomize debris at the center, potentially obstructing the view and failing to discharge it efficiently outside the transmissive body.
Innovation Solution
A vibration device with a non-equilibrium structure that includes a cutout portion or a weight to create an imbalance, allowing the light transmissive body to vibrate in a non-uniform manner, thereby moving foreign matter to the periphery where it can be discharged without obstructing the view, using a combination of cylindrical bodies, plate springs, and piezoelectric elements to adjust vibration modes and frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the light transmissive body is vibrated using a vibration mode with maximum displacement at the central portion, then raindrops adhering to the surface can be moved to the central portion and atomized, but the field of view at the central position may be obstructed by collected raindrops and it is difficult to discharge raindrops outside the light transmissive body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-equilibrium structure that creates asymmetric mass distribution in the vibration system. By providing either a cutout portion (removing mass) or adding a weight to a specific location of the vibrating body, the center of gravity shifts away from the geometric center. This asymmetric configuration causes the vibration mode to have maximum displacement at a position other than the central portion, enabling raindrops to be moved to peripheral areas where they can be discharged without obstructing the field of view.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a non-equilibrium structure with cutout portion or weight is introduced to create non-uniform vibration, then foreign matter can be moved to the periphery for discharge without obstructing the view, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The non-equilibrium structure is implemented by either removing a portion of the vibrating body (cutout) or adding a separate weight component. These are discrete, localized modifications rather than complex overall restructuring. The cutout portion or weight can be integrated into the existing vibrating body design with minimal additional manufacturing steps, thus achieving the desired asymmetric vibration mode while keeping the increase in device complexity relatively small.
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 allows for the efficient removal of foreign matter from the light transmissive body without obstructing the field of view, as the foreign matter is moved in the direction of inclination and discharged peripherally, maintaining image clarity and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a second vibrating body provided with a piezoelectric vibrator to thereby vibrate a first vibrating body having a light-transmitting property
Implementation Method 2
a plate-shaped spring portion that supports another end of the first cylindrical body
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration device includes a protective cover, a first cylindrical body, a plate spring, a second cylindrical body, a piezoelectric element, and a vibrating plate. The vibration device further includes a non-equilibrium structure that removes a mass of a portion of or adds a mass to at least one of the protective cover, the first cylindrical body, the plate spring, the second cylindrical body, and the vibrating plate.