Motorized Gantry Windshield Cleaner for Large Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large vehicle windshields, such as those on buses and RVs, are not effectively cleaned by conventional windshield wipers due to their size and vertical orientation, leading to obscured views from debris and insects that stick strongly, requiring an improved method and apparatus to cover the entire windshield surface.
Innovation Solution
A windshield touch and clean system with a cleaning head that uses extension members with articulating joints to reach the entire windshield, equipped with a brush, vibration unit, and spray nozzle, controlled by a computer and motor for precise cleaning, and a method involving a touch screen for user input to direct the cleaning process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional windshield wipers are used on large vehicle windshields, then the wiper mechanism is simple, but the cleaning coverage is insufficient and cannot reach the entire windshield surface
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield cleaning system is divided into multiple segments: a gantry structure with horizontal and vertical movement capabilities, multiple cleaning heads that can be positioned independently, and modular extension members. This segmentation allows each component to cover specific zones of the large windshield, achieving complete surface coverage while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from the traditional single-plane wiper motion to a three-dimensional cleaning approach using a gantry system that moves horizontally across the windshield width, vertically along the height, and positions cleaning heads at multiple depths. This multi-dimensional movement enables coverage of the entire large windshield surface including upper and lower zones that conventional wipers cannot reach.
2Reliability
If conventional windshield wipers are used on vertically oriented large windshields, then the wiper structure is simple, but the cleaning effectiveness is reduced due to increased debris adhesion force
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system merges multiple cleaning functions into a single integrated platform: mechanical brushing, fluid spraying, and vibration cleaning all operate simultaneously from the same gantry-mounted cleaning head. This combination of cleaning mechanisms works synergistically to overcome the strong adhesion of debris to the vertical windshield surface, with each mechanism compensating for the limitations of the others.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a vibration unit that generates mechanical oscillations in the cleaning head and brush assembly. This vibration disrupts the adhesion bonds between debris and the vertical windshield surface, making it easier for the brush and fluid to remove stubborn contaminants that conventional static wiper blades cannot effectively clean.
3Area of stationary object
If a cleaning system with extension members and articulating joints is used to reach the entire windshield, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gantry system serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the cleaning heads, enables horizontal and vertical positioning, houses the extension members and articulating joints, and integrates the control systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure despite the complex movement requirements for covering the entire windshield.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension members are designed with nested or telescoping structures that allow compact storage when not in use and extended configuration during operation. The articulating joints fold into compact positions when retracted, enabling the system to achieve full windshield coverage during cleaning while maintaining a space-efficient design that minimizes visual obstruction and storage requirements.
4Manufacturing precision
If motorized extension members with articulating joints are used to traverse the cleaning head, then the cleaning precision is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized extension members and articulating joints are equipped with integrated sensors, encoders, and control systems that enable autonomous positioning and navigation. The system self-regulates its movement, maintains precise positioning without continuous manual intervention, and automatically adjusts to the windshield geometry, eliminating the need for complex manual operation while maintaining high positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms including position sensors, encoders on the motorized extension members, and control systems that continuously monitor and adjust the cleaning head position. This closed-loop feedback ensures precise positioning accuracy while simplifying operation, as the system automatically corrects positioning errors and maintains optimal cleaning contact pressure without requiring manual adjustment.
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 system effectively cleans the entire windshield surface, including hard-to-reach areas, by traversing the cleaning head across the windshield with motorized extension members and using a combination of cleaning fluid and vibration to remove debris, improving visibility and reducing the need for manual effort.
Implementation Method 1
The head may have a vibration unit for vibrating the head while cleaning dirt off-of the windshield
Implementation Method 2
The head or the first extension member of the windshield touch and clean system may have a spray nozzle for spraying cleaning fluid on the windshield
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning device for a vehicle has tracks above and below the vehicle's windshield. A brush, wiper blade and spray bar extend across the windshield at a starting side of the windshield. The spray bar provides washer fluid as the brush rotates against the windshield. The spray bar, rotating brush and wiper bar are moved along the tracks and across the windshield to an opposing, return side of the windshield where the wiper blade first contacts the windshield and the brush stops rotating and moves away from the windshield. The spray bar rotates next to the wiper blade to blow air against the windshield. The wiper blade scrapes water while air blows water off the windshield as they move back to the starting side of the windshield where they are stored in a frame along the side of the windshield when not in use.