Vehicle Cleaning Manifold Assembly for Precise Multi-Surface Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle fluid dispensing systems fail to properly control the flow rate of cleaning fluid to multiple target objects, leading to uneven cleaning and premature wear of pumps, and are complex with unnecessary components.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing system with a control unit that operates pumps based on specific fluid demands of each target surface, using a manifold with check valves to maintain pressure and prevent backflow, and control valves to manage fluid delivery to each surface independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple pumps are operated simultaneously to clean multiple target surfaces, then cleaning coverage is improved, but pump wear increases uniformly across all pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic operation of pumps by activating them in alternating sequences rather than simultaneously. Each pump operates during specific time periods when certain target surfaces require cleaning, while remaining inactive during other periods. This periodic action distributes operational load across multiple pumps over time, extending their individual service lives while maintaining overall system productivity for cleaning multiple surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pump system is designed to deliver fluid to multiple target surfaces, then cleaning versatility is improved, but flow rate control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery system is segmented into multiple independent pathways, each connecting a pump to a specific target surface through dedicated fluid lines. The control unit independently controls each pump's operation, allowing precise flow rate adjustment for each target surface based on its specific cleaning requirements. This segmentation enables the system to deliver exactly the right amount of fluid to each surface without interference from other pathways, maintaining flow rate control precision while achieving versatility.
3Device complexity
If the number of pumps is reduced to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to meet specific fluid demands of multiple surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each pump in the system is designed as a universal component capable of serving multiple target surfaces through the controlled operation of isolation valves. The control unit directs each pump's output to different target surfaces at different times by activating or deactivating specific isolation valves. This multi-functionality allows a reduced number of pumps to satisfy the fluid demands of multiple surfaces, maintaining system adaptability while reducing overall pump quantity and complexity.
4Reliability
If pumps operate continuously to ensure fluid availability, then fluid delivery reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates isolation valves at each target surface that automatically control fluid flow based on local demands. When a target surface requires cleaning, its associated isolation valve opens to allow fluid delivery; when cleaning is complete, the valve closes to stop flow. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for continuous pump operation, as pumps only need to run when and where fluid is actually needed, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining fluid delivery reliability through automated local control.
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
This system ensures efficient and precise fluid delivery to each target surface, reduces pump wear by optimizing pump usage, and simplifies the system by reducing the number of pumps needed, while maintaining effective cleaning pressure and extending pump service life.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid dispensing system with a control unit that operates pumps based on specific fluid demands of each target surface, using a manifold with check valves to maintain pressure and prevent backflow
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid dispensing system includes one or more pumps, the one or more pumps include an inlet connected to a source of fluid and an outlet. Fluid dispensers are fluidically connected to the one or more pumps. The fluid dispensers direct fluid towards a surface. A control circuit is operatively connected to each of the one or more pumps. The control circuit activates the one or more pumps to wash the surface. A manifold includes one or more fluid inlets connected to each of the one or more pumps and a plurality of fluid outlets each connected to the fluid dispensers. At least one check valve is arranged at one of a first position at the outlet of the corresponding one or more pumps and at a second position between the one or more pumps and the manifold and at a third position integrated into the manifold.