Interior Windshield Wiper With Water Vapor Cleaning for Fogged Glass
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield wipers only address external visibility issues, neglecting the internal fogging and dust accumulation on the inside of vehicle windshields, which impair driver visibility during rainy or humid conditions.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a water vapor generator within the windshield wipers, comprising a water tank, heater, and pump, to produce and disperse water vapor onto the interior windshield for effective cleaning by wiper arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional windshield wipers are used, then external visibility is improved, but internal fogging and dust accumulation on the inside of the windshield remains unaddressed
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield wiper system is enhanced with additional functions including a water vapor generator, heater, and pump to address internal fogging and dust accumulation. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to handle both external and internal windshield cleaning needs, improving versatility while maintaining visibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a water vapor generator is integrated into the windshield wiper system, then internal fog and dust removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water vapor generator, heater, pump, and wiper system are merged into an integrated assembly where components share common structures and control systems. The water tank, heater, and pump are positioned within the wiper arm structure, combining multiple functions into a unified system that reduces overall complexity compared to separate systems.
3Reliability
If water is heated to generate vapor for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes phase transition of water from liquid to vapor through controlled heating. The heater converts electrical energy to thermal energy to vaporize water, and the phase change provides effective fog and dust removal through condensation on the windshield surface, achieving reliable cleaning with controlled energy input.
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
Enhances visibility by effectively removing internal fog and dust from the windshield through horizontal, vertical, or circular wiping motions, improving driver visibility in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The water tank and heater are positioned within the wiper arm structure, with the heater heating water in the water tank to create water vapor
Implementation Method 2
A pump propels the water vapor to the wiper blade through a conduit
Implementation Method 3
The wiper blade disperses the water vapor onto the windshield through a series of apertures
Data Source
AI summary
An interior windshield wiper system includes a water tank and a heater located within the water tank. The heater heats contents of the water tank. A conduit leads from the water tank to an interior surface of a vehicle. Apertures are located at an end of the conduit proximal to the interior surface, wherein the contents of the water tank travel though the conduit and apertures and onto the interior surface of the vehicle, such as a windshield. A wiper is located proximal to the interior surface to wipe the interior surface.