Heated Windshield Washer Fluid Control for Consistent Deicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield cleaning systems do not effectively maintain a consistent temperature for washer fluid, leading to reduced cleaning and deicing effectiveness, especially in varying ambient conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an inlet port, an outlet port, a heating element, and a control circuit that heats the washer fluid to a predetermined temperature, using glow plugs or other heating elements, and a programmable controller to manage the heating based on temperature sensors and vehicle inputs, ensuring efficient heating and prevention of overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If washer fluid is heated using existing systems, then deicing effectiveness is improved, but temperature consistency is poor leading to inefficient cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a temperature sensor continuously monitors the washer fluid temperature and provides signals to the controller. The controller adjusts the heating element operation based on this feedback to maintain the fluid at a target temperature, ensuring consistent temperature control and resolving the reliability issue with existing heating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the heating parameter (power delivery to heating element) based on the measured temperature. The controller modulates the heating element's operation to maintain the washer fluid at a predetermined target temperature, transitioning from static heating to dynamic parameter adjustment for optimal performance.
2Temperature
If heating element is continuously energized, then fluid temperature is maintained, but energy consumption increases and overheating risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit energizes the heating element periodically rather than continuously. The controller monitors temperature and activates the heating element only when the fluid temperature falls below the target temperature, creating a periodic on-off heating pattern that reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective deicing and cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control system prevents continuous energization by monitoring temperature and disabling the heating element when the target temperature is reached or exceeded. This feedback mechanism optimizes energy usage by eliminating unnecessary heating while preventing overheating conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If washer fluid temperature varies in varying ambient conditions, then system adaptability is reduced, but heating complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system automatically adapts to varying ambient conditions by continuously monitoring washer fluid temperature and adjusting heating element operation accordingly. The controller compares the measured temperature with the target temperature and modulates heating power to maintain optimal performance across different environmental conditions without requiring manual intervention or complex programming.
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 provides a consistent supply of heated washer fluid, improving cleaning and deicing performance by maintaining the fluid at a target temperature, preventing mineral deposits, and ensuring efficient energy use.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface having an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; a housing bounding a reservoir in fluid communication with the inlet port; and an outlet port in fluid communication with the reservoir for dispensing an amount of heated fluid. A heater element heats fluid that passes from the inlet to the outlet port through the reservoir. A heat exchanger in thermal contact with the heater element for conveying heat to the fluid within the reservoir has a strut that divides fluid entering the housing through the inlet port into two flow paths and elongated fins that extend outwardly from the strut at transverse angles that bound fluid flow channels for fluid moving through said reservoir. A control circuit energizes the heater element with a voltage to heat the heating element.