Blind cameras could become a distant memory at Tesla. The American brand has in fact patented a unique windshield wiper system allowing you to maintain vision whatever the weather.
“Cameras obstructed. Clean cameras or wait for visibility to return”: this is a very irritating message that most Tesla owners have already encountered. And no need to go off-road to display this happy notification. All it takes is a little rain to make the cameras completely blind. The American brand thinks it has found the solution to the problem. Unlike usual, no witchcraft, the patented system has been known for ages. At least in principle…
A simple and effective solution: the windshield wiper
It’s about putting good old windshield wipers on the vehicle cameras. If visibility becomes too poor, the brooms are immediately activated to restore vision. This is a solution already adopted by certain manufacturers, particularly for vehicle lights. So where is the originality making a patent filing necessary? Unlike conventional wipers cleaning a flat surface like a windshield, Tesla’s wipers scrub the lens of a spherical camera.
Tesla’s unique trick: imitate the human eyelid
They must therefore follow this specific form to ensure maximum efficiency. This device overtly imitates an eyelid cleaning an eye. Here’s how it works in detail: the camera autonomously monitors the quality of the image. If dirt such as mud, water or snow covers the lens and no longer provides sufficient visibility, this triggers a cleaning sequence. Windshield washer fluid is sprayed onto the lens before being wiped away.
100% autonomous and intelligent cleaning
Please note that the set cannot be activated on request. The system itself takes the initiative. Tesla specifies that this device can use various liquids for cleaning. This can be windshield washer fluid, of course, but also alcohol-based or lubricant-based solutions. More simply, the use of water is also possible. The brand adds that the assembly is compact enough not to require heavy modifications. For example, the cameras will remain in their initial location.
Why this simple patent is crucial for the future of the brand
Why so much noise about a seemingly simple solution that doesn’t bother other manufacturers? Because Tesla has chosen to exclusively use cameras for its driving aids. Sensor, radar and LiDAR are considered useless. This choice caused debate, particularly among other brands which made fun of Tesla for a long time. You might think that the Californian manufacturer is reacting a little late. What many people don’t know is that this cleaning system already exists on Robotaxis in another form.
Tesla was therefore aware of the problem, but had still not implemented a solution on its models intended for the general public. The arrival of this washing system could therefore reassure future owners, who will benefit from an FSD that can operate whatever the weather conditions.
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Source :
Electrek
