Air Jet Windshield Cleaning System Eliminates Water Residue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional windshield wipers are ineffective in removing all water, can distract drivers, and may scratch surfaces, while alternative solutions have not achieved commercial success due to various limitations.
Innovation Solution
An air jet-based cleaning system using nozzles, pipes, and an air compressor to distribute air jets over transparent surfaces, which are adjustable and can incorporate hydrophobic liquids for improved efficiency and energy savings, capable of reaching areas traditional wipers cannot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional windshield wipers are used to clean the glass surface, then the cleaning function is provided, but a remaining thin layer of water is left which makes the wiped area blurry and reduces visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical wiper system with an air jet-based cleaning system. High-velocity air jets are directed at the glass surface to remove water and contaminants, eliminating the mechanical contact that leaves blurry water layers while maintaining effective cleaning. The air jets accelerate water droplets off the surface without leaving residue, thereby improving visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by employing compressed air delivered through nozzles to clean the windshield. The high-velocity air flow creates shear forces that detach and remove water droplets and contaminants from the glass surface, providing a clear view without the blurring effect of traditional wipers.
2Reliability
If traditional windshield wipers are used, then cleaning is provided, but they can scratch the glass surface if there are small rocks under the rubber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical contact between the cleaning device and the glass surface by using air jets instead of rubber blades. This substitution removes the source of scratching while preserving the cleaning function, as the air flow can remove contaminants including rocks without physical contact that could damage the glass.
Solution Approach 2:
The air jet acts as an intermediary between the cleaning system and the glass surface, allowing contaminants to be removed without direct contact. The high-velocity air flow mediates the removal process by carrying away particles and water that would otherwise require mechanical scraping, thereby preventing surface damage.
3Reliability
If traditional windshield wipers are used, then cleaning is provided, but they distract the driver and reduce visibility when in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cleaning mechanism from the driver's field of view by positioning the air jet nozzles at the periphery or outside the windshield area. The air jets are directed through channels or nozzles located at the vehicle's front or side, allowing cleaning to occur without visual distraction to the driver, thus maintaining both cleaning effectiveness and driver focus.
4Reliability
If traditional windshield wipers are used, then cleaning is provided, but they are not capable of cleaning the entire windshield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the windshield cleaning task into multiple zones by using multiple air jet nozzles positioned at different locations. Each nozzle targets a specific section of the windshield, and collectively they cover the entire surface area, overcoming the limitation of single-blade wipers that cannot reach all areas effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from the two-dimensional sweeping motion of traditional wipers to a three-dimensional air jet delivery system. Air nozzles can be positioned at various angles and locations around the vehicle, directing jets at different portions of the windshield simultaneously, thereby achieving comprehensive coverage that exceeds the capabilities of conventional wiper systems.
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 air jet system effectively disperses water without leaving a blurry layer, reduces driver distraction, and can clean hard-to-reach areas without scratching surfaces, offering improved visibility and reduced maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
The invention relates to a cleaning system for cleaning the surface of a windshield, window, light and side mirror of a vehicle or the surface of a window of a building, comprising at least one air flow generator, a plurality of nozzles, and a system of pipes and/or tubes to distribute the air flow to the nozzles
Implementation Method 2
the nozzles are configured to eject an air jet that is distributed in shape of a handheld fan over the surface
Implementation Method 3
the air jet ejected by the nozzles typically disperses the water in shape of drops and therefore does not leave a thin layer of water as traditional wipers do
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a wiperless cleaning system (1) for cleaning a transparent surface (3) of a vehicle, comprising at least one air flow generator (6), a plurality of nozzles (2) or one wide nozzle, and a system of pipes and/or tubes to distribute the air flow to the nozzles, the system configured such that air jets are ejected by the nozzles and distributed over the surface, the cleaning system further comprises a controller configured to control an application of a liquid, a mixing of a hydrophobic liquid into the air jet, and the air flow of the air jet. The disclosure further relates to a method for cleaning a transparent surface of a vehicle.