Windshield Wiper Mode Switching for Rear Camera Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle washing device struggles to quickly restore the cleanliness of the imaging range for on-board sensors on a vehicle's windshield, particularly when deposits adhere, leading to disrupted images.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle washing device with a wiping mechanism that can switch between two modes: a first mode for general wiping and a second mode that preferentially wipes the imaging range, using a controller to adjust wiping frequency, speed, and fluid supply based on input signals from electronic mirrors or selector switches, and includes a deposit detector to trigger specific wiping operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the wiper operates in the first mode (wiping the predetermined range including imaging range), then the imaging range is cleaned, but disturbance to the occupant increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper operation is made dynamic by switching between two modes: first mode for comprehensive cleaning of the predetermined range, and second mode for preferential cleaning of the imaging range. The controller dynamically selects the appropriate mode based on input signals, allowing the system to adapt its cleaning behavior to different situations and minimize occupant disturbance while maintaining imaging range cleanliness.
2Productivity
If the wiper operates in the second mode (preferentially wiping imaging range), then the cleanliness of imaging range is restored quickly, but the overall wiping coverage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second mode applies local quality by concentrating the wiping action preferentially on the imaging range area rather than uniformly distributing it across the entire predetermined range. This localized approach restores cleanliness to the critical imaging area quickly, while the controller can still switch to first mode when comprehensive cleaning is needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual switching between modes is required, then operation flexibility is maintained, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically determining when to switch between first and second modes based on input from various sensors and signals (deposit detector, electronic mirror mode, selector switch). The controller autonomously selects the appropriate wiping mode without requiring manual intervention, making the system both adaptable to different conditions and easy to operate.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device images rearward of a vehicle through a windshield from inside a cabin of the vehicle, and a vehicle washing device includes a wiping device and a controller. The wiping device is capable of reciprocatingly wiping a predetermined range of the windshield. The predetermined range of the windshield includes an imaging range for the imaging device. The controller switches operation of the wiping device to one of a first mode or a second mode in accordance with an input. In the first mode, the wiping device wipes the predetermined range of the windshield. In the second mode, the wiping device wipes the imaging range of the windshield preferentially compared to the first mode.