Heated Washer Nozzle Wire Layout for Low-Energy De-Icing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nozzle systems for vehicle window cleaning, particularly those with heating functions, face high costs and complex installation due to PTC elements, and alternative heating concepts like heating wires lead to increased energy consumption as they heat both nozzle bodies and connecting hoses.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle system with a heating wire that has varying cross sections, where the wire has a smaller cross section within the nozzle bodies and a larger cross section in the fluid line arrangement, allowing targeted heating primarily at the nozzle bodies with reduced energy consumption and simplified, cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If PTC elements are used for heating the nozzle body, then the nozzle body can be effectively heated, but the production costs increase and installation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive PTC elements with a simple heating wire that can be easily installed and removed. The heating wire is a cost-effective alternative that achieves the same heating function without requiring complex adhesive bonding processes or expensive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/adhesive bonding system required for PTC element installation with a simple electrical connection system for the heating wire. This eliminates the need for complex assembly processes and reduces production complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a heating wire is used to heat the entire nozzle chain, then the heating process is simplified, but energy consumption increases due to heating of non-critical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the cross-section of the heating wire along its length. The wire has different diameters in different sections, allowing it to generate different amounts of heat in different locations. This enables targeted heating of the nozzle body while minimizing heat generation in the hose connectors, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the heating wire (its cross-sectional area) to control the heat generation distribution. By adjusting the wire diameter along its length, the electrical resistance and heat generation are optimized for each section, achieving efficient localized heating.
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 achieves efficient heating with low energy consumption, reducing production costs and complexity, while ensuring effective de-icing of vehicle windows with targeted heat application at the nozzle bodies.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conducting heating wire which runs through the fluid line arrangement and through the at least one nozzle body
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle system for cleaning a vehicle part of a motor vehicle includes a nozzle body having a nozzle for applying a cleaning liquid to the vehicle part. A fluid line arrangement is configured for connection to a fluid-based cleaning system of the motor vehicle in order to conduct the cleaning liquid to the nozzle body. An electrically conducting heating wire runs through the fluid line arrangement and through the nozzle body. The heating wire has a first portion with a first cross section and a second portion with a second cross section where the first cross section is larger than the second cross section.