Bidirectional Wiper Washer Control for Compact Dual-Screen Spraying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiper systems face issues with inefficient integration and increased cost due to separate control systems for front and rear windscreen washers, which also generate significant heat and occupy excessive space.

Innovation Solution

A wiper system with a bidirectional pump and a trigger switch module that allows separate control of front and rear washer systems, utilizing a bidirectional pump and a trigger switch module, such as a relay or MOSFET, to independently control the spraying of washing agents based on angular positions, reducing the need for separate control systems and minimizing thermal effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate control system is used to control the spraying of the washer system for the front windscreen and the rear windscreen separately, then the control functionality is achieved, but the system integration is reduced and the space utilization is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparate control capabilityVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control functions for both front and rear washer systems into a single integrated control module. The controller receives control signals and selectively activates either the front washer pump or rear washer pump based on the signal type, achieving separate control capability without requiring independent control systems for each washer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single controller is designed to handle multiple functions: it can control both the front washer pump and rear washer pump, interpret different control signals (first control signal for front, second control signal for rear), and manage the bidirectional pump operations. This multi-functional design reduces system complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a diode is used as a unidirectional unit in the wiper system, then the control functionality is achieved, but significant heat is generated requiring a heat sink which increases volume and cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the diode-based mechanical/electrical unidirectional control mechanism with an electronic control system using a controller that processes control signals. This substitution eliminates the need for diodes and their associated heat generation, while achieving the same unidirectional control functionality through software/logic-based signal routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller changes the operational parameters by selectively applying voltage in different directions to the bidirectional pump based on control signals. Instead of using passive diode rectification, the active electronic control adjusts the pump rotation direction through controlled voltage application, eliminating thermal issues associated with diode operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of stationary object

If a bidirectional pump is used to pump washing agent to both first washer system and second washer system, then space utilization is improved, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a bidirectional pump that can dynamically change its rotation direction based on control signals. The pump rotates in a first direction to supply the front washer system and in a second direction to supply the rear washer system. This dynamic reversibility allows a single pump to serve multiple functions that would traditionally require separate pumps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller receives control signals and uses feedback logic to determine which washer system needs activation. Based on the control signal type (first control signal for front, second control signal for rear), the controller adjusts the pump direction and activates the appropriate washer system, managing the complexity through intelligent signal processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3814178B1A wiper system and a motor vehicle comprising the wiper system
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
  • EP3814178B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3814178B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3814178B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A wiper system for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle comprising a wiper system, comprising: a wiper means (11) configured to wipe a windscreen (121) of the motor vehicle, a first washer system and a second washer system configured to spray washing agent, a bidirectional pump (13) configured to pump the washing agent to the first washer system upon rotating in a first direction and to pump the washing agent to the second washer system upon rotating in a second direction, a washer power module (15) configured to selectively apply a positive voltage or negative voltage to the bidirectional pump (13) so that the bidirectional pump (13) rotates in the first direction or the second direction respectively, a washer switch module (17) connected in series with the washer power module (15) and the bidirectional pump (13) and configured to open or close depending on the angular position of the wiper means (11) so that the first washer system sprays or stop spraying the washing agent, and a trigger switch module (18) connected in parallel with the washer switch module (17) and configured to be turned off or turned on when triggered by a signal.