Modular Air Supply Check Valve for Pump Foam Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper systems lack a modular solution for converting a conventional pump to supply cleaning foam, as they typically require an integral air supply component integrated with the suction nozzle, limiting adaptability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A separate device with a check valve system that connects to both the pump's suction nozzle and a washer fluid container, allowing air to be introduced only under negative pressure, forming a modular system that can switch between liquid and foam modes without modifying the pump or nozzle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an integral air supply component is integrated with the suction nozzle of the pump, then the pump can supply cleaning foam, but the system lacks adaptability for conventional pumps and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply device is segmented into a separate, independent component rather than being integrated into the pump or suction nozzle. This modular design allows the air supply function to be added to conventional pumps without modifying the pump itself, thereby improving adaptability while keeping the device complexity manageable through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction nozzle serves as an intermediary component that connects both the pump and the separate air supply device. By utilizing the existing suction nozzle as a connection point, the system enables foam generation without requiring modifications to the pump, thus maintaining adaptability while avoiding the complexity of a fully integrated design.
2Reliability
If a check valve is used to control air entry, then reverse flow is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is designed to automatically open and close based on the pressure differential created during pump operation. When the pump creates negative pressure, the check valve opens to allow air entry; when pressure equalizes or reverses, the valve closes to prevent reverse flow. This self-regulating mechanism prevents reverse flow without requiring complex external control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the air supply device is separate from the pump, then modular system is enabled, but the connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply device is designed with universal connection features that can interface with conventional suction nozzles. The device includes a connection area that can accommodate standard pump suction nozzles, enabling the same air supply device to work with different pump types without custom connections, thus achieving modularity without proportionally increasing connection complexity.
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
Enables the use of a single pump and nozzle for both liquid and foam modes, reducing storage needs and preventing reverse flow, while ensuring efficient foam composition and preventing foreign body ingress.
Implementation Method 1
a check valve is arranged in the suction channel for the air, the said check valve being designed to open and close as a function of a negative pressure on a suction nozzle of the pump
Implementation Method 2
In the first-named valve, the closing forces acting on the check valve are composed of the closing force of the spring and of the pressure difference between the side of the check valve that is connected to the suction side of the pump and the ambient pressure
Implementation Method 3
the pump mixes liquid cleaning medium sucked in by means of the air and can convey the same into the region of a vehicle window as a cleaning foam
Data Source
AI summary
A device (50) for supplying air to a suction side (12) of a pump (10) of a wiper system (100), includes a suction channel (60) for sucking in air, said suction channel (60) being able to be connected to the suction side (12) of the pump (10). Provision is made that the device (50) is realized as a component separate from the pump (10) and comprises a connection area (52) for connecting the device (50) with a supply container (14) for washer fluid (3) and having an additional connection area (54) for a suction nozzle (24) of the pump (10), and that a check valve (62) is disposed in the suction channel (60), said check valve (62) being designed to open and close as a function of a negative pressure (P) on a suction nozzle (24) of the pump (10), whereby when the said check valve (62) is opened air can enter the area of the suction nozzle (24) of the pump (10), and when the check valve (62) is closed no air is sucked in.