Offset Nozzle Wiper Blade for Uniform Fluid Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional windshield washing systems are inefficient in distributing washing fluid evenly across the windshield, leading to incomplete cleaning, driver visibility issues, and safety concerns due to spray projection during vehicle operation.

Innovation Solution

A wiper blade design with a nozzle mounted parallel to the squeegee lip, positioned to direct washing fluid into the longitudinal concavity of the squeegee lip during its stop phase, ensuring even distribution and reduced fluid usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conventional nozzles are placed on the bonnet or cowl grille to spray washing fluid over the entire glazed surface, then the washing fluid covers the full surface area, but the driver's visibility is blocked and headlight beams are defragmented causing dazzle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglazed surface coverageVSAvoiddriver visibility blockage and dazzle
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The washing fluid projection is extracted from the conventional bonnet/cowl grille location and relocated to the wiper blade itself, specifically to the end piece at the lower end of the squeegee, eliminating the harmful effects of broad spray projection while maintaining cleaning coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The wiper blade lip acts as an intermediary carrier for the nozzle, allowing precise positioning of the washing fluid delivery point directly at the contact zone between the wiper and glazed surface, thereby controlling fluid distribution without blocking driver view

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If nozzles are placed at a distance from the glass surface to project spray over the entire area, then full surface coverage is achieved, but the washing fluid distribution becomes uneven and adjustment is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglazed surface coverageVSAvoidwashing fluid distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle is positioned locally at the lower end of the squeegee where the lip contacts the glass, creating a localized high-concentration washing fluid application point that naturally distributes evenly along the contact zone rather than requiring broad spray coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The washing fluid is projected onto the lip of the wiper blade before the wiping action begins, allowing the fluid to be pre-distributed along the lip surface, ensuring uniform cleaning from the start of the wiping motion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If conventional nozzles project washing fluid over the entire glazed surface, then full coverage is achieved, but a large volume of fluid is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglazed surface coverageVSAvoidwashing fluid volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The washing fluid application is extracted from a broad spray pattern and concentrated into a targeted jet delivered precisely at the wiper-glass contact zone, dramatically reducing the volume of fluid needed while maintaining full surface coverage through the wiping action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of spraying fluid over the entire glazed surface area, the invention applies washing fluid only to the narrow strip where the wiper lip contacts the glass, using the mechanical wiping action to distribute the partial application across the full surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Productivity

If washing fluid is projected during high-speed vehicle operation, then cleaning is maintained, but the jet projection becomes variable and insufficient cleaning occurs in upper zones

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidjet projection consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The washing fluid projection function is merged with the wiper blade structure itself, synchronizing fluid delivery with the wiper's natural oscillating motion and contact pressure variations, thereby maintaining consistent fluid application regardless of vehicle speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The nozzle is positioned to take advantage of the dynamic oscillating motion of the wiper blade, allowing the jet projection angle and contact point to vary naturally with the wiper's arc of motion, ensuring consistent fluid distribution across different vehicle speeds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution ensures effective and uniform cleaning of the windshield, improves driver visibility, and reduces the volume of washing fluid needed, enhancing safety and reducing vehicle weight and CO2 emissions.

Implementation Method 1

a jet of washing liquid is delivered onto the lip of the squeegee

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJet: Jet

Implementation Method 2

the lip of which is applied to the glass surface to be swept

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2504206B1Windscreen-wiper blade and device for wiping and washing a glazed surface of a motor vehicle and corresponding wiping and washing method
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 MGI COUTIER SA
  • EP2504206B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2504206B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a windscreen-wiper blade (1) of a motor vehicle which comprises: an elongate flexible strip (6); a conduit outlet (23) arranged such as to be able to spray a jet of liquid in substantially the longitudinal direction of the strip (6); characterised in that the conduit outlet (23) is offset on the side of the flexible strip (6) relative to the longitudinal median plane of the flexible strip (6).