Buyers Products Universal Camera Washing System clears dirt and road grime off rear-view cameras on demand. Rear-view cameras are typically mounted in a position where they constantly get caked with road salt, mud, dirt, grime, and other debris. A washing system proves especially useful for refuse trucks, trucks in winter climates, and trucks that are used on non-paved roads. The system features an in-cab touch pad controller for easy operation. Hardware is included to mount to the Buyers Products Standard Camera, but the system can be mounted to any rear view camera. System includes: 1-1/2 quart tank with easy-install mounting bracket, 9-1/2 ft fluid tube with pressure nozzle, pump to create 12.7 PSI fluid pressure, touch pad in-cab controller, 32 ft power cord, and mounting hardware. The system is 12-24V and can be wired directly into your truck's electric.
Specifications
| Voltage | 12-24 |
|---|
Comprehensive Technical Overview: The Universal Camera Washing System
The Universal Camera Washing System by Buyers Products represents an advanced engineering solution designed to maintain optimal visibility for rear-view cameras across a diverse range of heavy-duty and commercial vehicles. In environments where operational safety and situational awareness are paramount, the uninterrupted functionality of rear-view camera systems is critical. This comprehensive washing system directly addresses the prevalent issue of vision degradation caused by environmental contaminants such as road salt, mud, dirt, grime, and various forms of particulate debris, which frequently obscure camera lenses in demanding operational contexts.
Operational Imperatives and Design Philosophy
Rear-view cameras, by virtue of their mounting locations, are inherently exposed to an aggressive cocktail of environmental hazards. These positions, typically at the rear of vehicles, place them directly in the path of spray generated by tires, accumulation of road dust, and specific industrial byproducts. The consequences of an obstructed camera lens range from reduced operational efficiency due to impaired visibility, to significant safety risks arising from compromised situational awareness during reversing maneuvers, coupling operations, or navigation in confined spaces. The Buyers Products Universal Camera Washing System is engineered to mitigate these risks by providing an on-demand, highly effective cleaning mechanism, thereby ensuring consistent optical clarity.
The design philosophy behind this system is rooted in universality, robustness, and ease of integration. While specifically optimized for seamless integration with Buyers Products Standard Cameras, the system’s adaptive mounting hardware and fluid delivery components ensure broad compatibility with virtually any existing rear-view camera installation. This flexibility is crucial for fleet managers and vehicle operators seeking a cost-effective upgrade without necessitating a complete overhaul of their existing camera infrastructure.
Targeted Applications and Environmental Suitability
The efficacy of the Universal Camera Washing System is particularly pronounced in several key operational sectors where environmental conditions are notoriously challenging:
- Refuse Collection Vehicles: These vehicles operate in environments characterized by constant exposure to dust, organic matter, liquid waste, and general debris. The camera lens can quickly become obscured, impacting the driver's ability to safely maneuver around obstacles and personnel.
- Vehicles in Winter Climates: Road salt, brine solutions, slush, and icy residues are pervasive during winter months. These substances not only physically obscure the lens but can also lead to corrosive damage over time. The washing system provides a vital means of immediate contaminant removal, safeguarding both visibility and equipment longevity.
- Off-Highway and Non-Paved Road Operations: Trucks engaged in construction, mining, agriculture, or utility work on unpaved surfaces are routinely subjected to high concentrations of dust, mud, and aggregate particles. The continuous accumulation of these materials can render a camera inoperable within minutes.
In each of these scenarios, the ability to activate a washing cycle on demand significantly enhances operational safety, reduces the likelihood of accidents, and improves overall workflow efficiency by eliminating the need for manual cleaning interventions, which often require the driver to exit the vehicle in potentially hazardous conditions.
System Architecture and Component Breakdown
The Universal Camera Washing System is a self-contained unit comprising several interconnected subsystems, each engineered for reliability and performance. A detailed examination of these components reveals the meticulous design considerations:
1. Fluid Reservoir and Mounting
- Capacity: The system incorporates a 1-1/2 quart (approximately 1.42 liters) fluid tank. This capacity is optimized to provide multiple cleaning cycles between refills, striking a balance between adequate fluid supply and compact physical footprint. The volume is sufficient for typical daily operational demands without requiring excessive space for installation.
- Construction: The tank is constructed from durable, chemical-resistant materials suitable for containing various commercially available windshield washer fluids, which typically contain detergents and antifreeze agents.
- Mounting Bracket: An easily installable mounting bracket is supplied, designed for secure attachment within the vehicle’s chassis or cab. This bracket facilitates flexible positioning while ensuring the reservoir remains stable during vehicle motion and vibration.
2. Fluid Delivery System
- Fluid Tube: A robust 9-1/2 foot (approximately 2.9 meters) fluid tube is provided. This length offers substantial flexibility for routing from the reservoir and pump assembly to the camera unit, accommodating various vehicle dimensions and camera mounting positions. The tubing is selected for its resistance to environmental factors, including temperature fluctuations and potential abrasion.
- Pressure Nozzle: The terminal end of the fluid tube integrates a precision-engineered pressure nozzle. This nozzle is designed to deliver a focused spray pattern at an optimal angle to effectively dislodge and wash away accumulated debris from the camera lens. The orifice design minimizes fluid consumption while maximizing cleaning efficacy.
3. Pumping Mechanism
- High-Pressure Pump: At the heart of the fluid delivery system is a compact electric pump engineered to generate a fluid pressure of 12.7 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch). This specific pressure rating is crucial. It is sufficiently high to provide kinetic energy for effective debris removal without risking damage to the camera housing or lens. The pump is designed for intermittent operation, activating only when commanded by the driver, thereby conserving power and extending its operational lifespan.
- Durability: The pump components are manufactured from materials resistant to corrosion and wear, ensuring long-term reliability even when exposed to various washing fluid chemistries.
4. In-Cab Control Interface
- Touch Pad Controller: The system features an intuitive in-cab touch pad controller. This user-centric interface allows for seamless, instantaneous activation of the washing cycle without diverting the driver's attention excessively from the road or immediate operational tasks. The tactile feedback and clear iconography of the touch pad ensure ease of use, even in challenging cabin environments.
- Ergonomics: The controller is designed for ergonomic placement within the vehicle cab, ensuring it is within easy reach and sight of the operator. Its robust construction is resistant to common cabin contaminants and repeated use.
5. Electrical Subsystem
- Power Cord: A generous 32-foot (approximately 9.75 meters) power cord is included, providing ample length for routing electrical connections from the vehicle's power source to the pump and control unit. This length accommodates large commercial vehicles and diverse wiring configurations.
- Voltage Compatibility: The system is engineered for universal compatibility with vehicle electrical systems operating on either 12V or 24V DC. This broad voltage range eliminates the need for voltage converters in most commercial and heavy-duty applications, simplifying installation and reducing potential points of failure.
- Direct Wiring: The system is designed for direct integration into the truck's existing electrical infrastructure, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. Necessary wiring harnesses and connectors are provided to facilitate a professional installation.
6. Mounting Hardware
The system comes complete with a comprehensive set of mounting hardware. While specifically tailored for optimal integration with Buyers Products Standard Cameras, the universality of the design ensures that this hardware, or easily adaptable alternatives, can facilitate secure attachment to virtually any other rear-view camera housing.
Installation and Integration Considerations
Installation of the Universal Camera Washing System is designed to be straightforward, leveraging standard automotive electrical and mechanical practices. Key steps typically involve:
- Reservoir Mounting: Securing the 1-1/2 quart fluid tank and its associated pump assembly in an accessible yet protected location, ideally near the vehicle's front or within a utility compartment.
- Fluid Line Routing: Carefully routing the 9-1/2 ft fluid tube from the pump to the rear-view camera location, ensuring it is protected from sharp edges, excessive heat, and potential pinch points. Proper routing is essential to prevent kinking or damage to the line.
- Nozzle Attachment: Affixing the pressure nozzle in close proximity to the camera lens, ensuring the spray pattern effectively covers the entire lens surface without obstructing the camera's field of view.
- Electrical Connection: Wiring the 12-24V power cord to a switched power source within the vehicle's electrical system, adhering to manufacturer guidelines and local electrical codes. The 32 ft length provides ample reach.
- Controller Installation: Mounting the in-cab touch pad controller in a convenient location for the driver, ensuring clear visibility and ease of access.
- Testing: Post-installation, a thorough functional test is recommended to verify proper fluid delivery, pressure, and electrical operation.
For optimal performance and longevity, it is recommended that installation be performed by qualified personnel familiar with vehicle electrical and hydraulic systems.
Technical Specifications and Performance Metrics
- Operating Voltage: 12-24 Volts DC. This wide voltage range accommodates the vast majority of commercial trucks, vocational vehicles, and heavy equipment without requiring additional transformers or complex wiring.
- Fluid Pressure: 12.7 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch). This engineered pressure ensures effective cleaning action. The pressure is optimized to provide sufficient force to dislodge caked-on contaminants without causing any damage to sensitive camera optics or seals.
- Tank Capacity: 1-1/2 Quarts (approx. 1.42 Liters). Provides ample fluid for multiple washes.
- Fluid Tube Length: 9-1/2 Feet (approx. 2.9 Meters). Facilitates flexible routing.
- Power Cord Length: 32 Feet (approx. 9.75 Meters). Allows for diverse installation scenarios.
- Operational Temperature Range: While not explicitly stated, the components are designed to withstand typical automotive operating temperatures, especially when utilizing appropriate washer fluids with antifreeze properties in cold climates.
Advantages and Return on Investment
Investing in the Universal Camera Washing System offers significant advantages, translating into a compelling return on investment for vehicle operators and fleet owners:
- Enhanced Safety: The primary benefit is the dramatic improvement in operational safety. Clear camera views reduce blind spots, prevent collisions during reversing, and facilitate safer maneuvering in complex environments.
- Increased Efficiency: By eliminating the need for drivers to manually clean cameras, the system reduces vehicle downtime and improves workflow efficiency, especially in fast-paced operational settings.
- Equipment Longevity: Regular cleaning prevents the accumulation of abrasive particles that can scratch camera lenses or corrosive substances that can degrade housing materials and seals. This proactive maintenance extends the lifespan of expensive camera systems.
- Driver Comfort and Compliance: Drivers appreciate the convenience and improved safety, leading to better morale and adherence to safety protocols.
- Reduced Maintenance Costs: Preventing damage to camera systems through effective cleaning can significantly reduce repair and replacement costs over the vehicle's operational life.
- Universal Compatibility: The ability to integrate with almost any rear-view camera system minimizes the barrier to adoption and maximizes the utility across mixed fleets.
Conclusion
The Buyers Products Universal Camera Washing System is an indispensable accessory for any commercial or heavy-duty vehicle equipped with a rear-view camera, particularly those operating in challenging environmental conditions. Its robust design, comprehensive feature set, and universal compatibility make it a superior solution for maintaining optimal visual clarity, thereby enhancing safety, improving operational efficiency, and extending the service life of critical onboard camera technology. Engineered for reliability and ease of use, this system represents a forward-thinking investment in vehicle safety and performance.
