Elastically Deformable Pressure Limiting Device for Windshield Washer Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current windshield washer fluid systems are prone to leaks due to overpressure, particularly when spray nozzles are blocked by frost, leading to overpressure in the circuit and leaks at the hydraulic connector, which compromises the perceived quality of the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A pressure limiting device is connected to the windshield washer fluid circuit, featuring an elastically deformable element that obstructs the fluid flow when overpressure exceeds 1.5 bar, preventing leaks by elongating and blocking the internal duct, and returning to its initial position when pressure is reduced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the spray nozzles are positioned on the wiper blade to improve cleaning precision, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but the system becomes prone to leaks when pressure increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure limiting device is installed in advance in the washer fluid circuit to preemptively prevent overpressure conditions. The device includes a movable member with a sealing element that proactively blocks the conduit when pressure exceeds a threshold, preventing leaks before they occur at the hydraulic connector
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure limiting device acts as an intermediary component between the pump and the wiper blade spray system. It mediates the pressure transmission, allowing normal operation while blocking excessive pressure that would cause leaks, thus protecting the hydraulic connector without compromising the spray functionality
2Measurement precision
If the hydraulic connector is located at the junction of the arm and wiper blade to enable direct fluid delivery, then the spray precision is improved, but leaks at this connector are visible to the driver and compromise vehicle quality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potential harm of overpressure (which causes visible leaks) into a beneficial protective mechanism. The pressure limiting device uses the overpressure itself as the triggering condition to activate the blocking mechanism, transforming the harmful high pressure into the activating force that prevents the leak, thereby protecting the hydraulic connector while maintaining spray precision
3Productivity
If the pump delivers high pressure to ensure fluid flow to the nozzles, then the fluid delivery capability is improved, but the system experiences overpressure when nozzles are blocked by frost
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure limiting device dynamically changes the pressure parameter in the circuit by introducing a blocking action when pressure exceeds the threshold. The movable member with elastically deformable element responds to pressure changes by transitioning from an open to a blocked state, automatically regulating the pressure parameter to prevent overpressure while allowing high pressure delivery during normal operation
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
Effectively prevents leaks at the hydraulic connector by blocking fluid flow during overpressure events, ensuring reliable operation and maintaining the quality of the vehicle's cleaning system.
Implementation Method 1
The elastically deformable element is capable of elongating, in the direction of windshield washer fluid flow, under the effect of pressure from the windshield washer fluid on the sealing element
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A device (1) for limiting the pressure of a fluid circulating in a system for cleaning at least one glazed surface of a motor vehicle comprises a first, movable, member (10) comprising a movable portion (11) inserted into an inner pipe (25, 26) of a second, stationary, member (20). The movable portion (11) is made up of at least one elastically deformable element (15) and an element (16) for closing the inner pipe (25, 26) of the second, stationary, member (20), and is capable of lengthening under the effect of a burst of windscreen-washing fluid pushing against the closing element (16).