Vehicle Cleaning Nozzle De-Icing via Flow Energy Conversion

Solution Overview

Problem

Current cleaning nozzles for motor vehicle see-through areas require external electrical energy for heating, increasing power consumption and complexity, especially in electric vehicles, and lack situational control for de-icing.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with a flow energy converter that generates electricity and heat using the flow energy of the cleaning fluid, eliminating the need for external power and manual activation, and automatically de-ices the nozzle when needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cleaning nozzles are heated using external electrical energy, then de-icing capability is improved, but power consumption and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvede-icing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device serves itself by using the flow energy of the cleaning fluid to generate electricity and heat through the flow energy converter, eliminating the need for external power sources. The system converts the kinetic energy of the flowing cleaning fluid directly into electrical energy and thermal energy for nozzle heating and de-icing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the external electrical heating system with a flow energy conversion system that uses the mechanical flow energy of the cleaning fluid to generate both electrical and thermal energy. This substitution eliminates complex electrical wiring, power management systems, and external power dependencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If cleaning nozzles are heated using external electrical energy, then de-icing capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvede-icing capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device serves itself by using the flow energy of the cleaning fluid to generate electricity and heat through the flow energy converter, eliminating the need for external power sources. The system converts the kinetic energy of the flowing cleaning fluid directly into electrical energy and thermal energy for nozzle heating and de-icing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the external electrical heating system with a flow energy conversion system that uses the mechanical flow energy of the cleaning fluid to generate both electrical and thermal energy. This substitution eliminates complex electrical wiring, power management systems, and external power dependencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If manual activation of nozzle heating is implemented, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automatic feedback control where the flow energy converter continuously monitors the flow characteristics of the cleaning fluid and automatically adjusts the heating output accordingly. When flow energy is sufficient, the system automatically activates heating; when flow stops or decreases, heating automatically deactivates, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device serves itself by using the flow energy of the cleaning fluid to generate electricity and heat through the flow energy converter, eliminating the need for external power sources. The system converts the kinetic energy of the flowing cleaning fluid directly into electrical energy and thermal energy for nozzle heating and de-icing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Reduces power consumption, complexity, and weight while ensuring uninterrupted cleaning and de-icing without external energy sources.

Implementation Method 1

a flow energy converter (28) configured to generate electricity and/or heat as the cleaning fluid flows across and/or through it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow energy conversion: Turbine

Implementation Method 2

a flow energy converter (28) configured to generate electricity and/or heat as the cleaning fluid flows across and/or through it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow energy to thermal energy conversion: Turbine

Data Source

PatentUS12351137B2Cleaning device for cleaning a see-through area of a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 WEBASTO AG

AI summary

A cleaning device for cleaning a see-through area of a motor vehicle, the cleaning device having at least one supply line and at least one cleaning nozzle configured to be fed with a cleaning fluid via the at least one supply line. The cleaning device has a flow energy converter configured to generate electrical energy and/or heat as the cleaning fluid flows across and/or through it.