Rotary Distributor Disc for Multi-Point Vehicle Cleaning Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cleaning systems face challenges in efficiently distributing water, particularly with the increasing number of vehicle sensors, leading to complexity, cost, and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A liquid distribution actuator with a rotatable distributor disc and a housing that eliminates the need for fluid pumps and valve blocks, using a symmetrical distributor disc and radial channels to control fluid flow, allowing for efficient distribution to individual cleaning points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fluid pumps and valve blocks with individually actuated valves are used for each cleaning point, then precise liquid distribution control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual valve functions into a single rotatable distributor disc that controls fluid distribution to multiple cleaning points simultaneously. The distributor disc integrates the functions of multiple valves into one component, reducing system complexity while maintaining distribution control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable distributor disc serves multiple functions: it acts as a valve body, a flow distributor, and a positioning mechanism all in one component. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate valve blocks and individual actuators for each cleaning point
2Reliability
If traditional fluid pumps and multiple valve components are used, then liquid distribution functionality is ensured, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple heavy components (pump, valve block, individual valves) into a single integrated distribution device. The rotatable distributor disc replaces entire valve assemblies, dramatically reducing the weight of the liquid distribution system while maintaining full distribution functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individually actuated valves and pumps are used for each cleaning point, then cleaning coverage is improved, but fluid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable distributor disc dynamically redirects fluid flow to different cleaning points as needed, rather than maintaining continuous flow to all points. This dynamic allocation optimizes fluid usage by directing liquid only to the cleaning points that require it at any given moment
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor disc provides localized fluid delivery to specific cleaning points based on rotational position, ensuring fluid is applied only where needed rather than distributing it uniformly across all points continuously. This localized delivery reduces overall fluid consumption
4Reliability
If traditional distribution systems with multiple components are used, then cleaning functionality is achieved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates pump housing, valve body, and distributor mechanisms into a single compact distribution device. This merging of components into one integrated unit dramatically reduces the space required for installation while maintaining all necessary cleaning functionalities
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor disc is nested within the distribution device housing, with internal fluid channels and pathways integrated into the housing structure itself. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall footprint of the distribution system
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
This solution simplifies vehicle cleaning systems, reduces costs and weight, minimizes fluid consumption, and enhances vehicle range, while promoting compactness and reducing installation space.
Implementation Method 1
the disc forms a defined axial gap with the respective associated housing part or housing section at its front face, through which conveyed liquid spreads in the housing and thereby forms a liquid leakage film or liquid leakage flow at its front face, which separates the distributor from the housing
Implementation Method 2
It is proposed to design the distributor disc symmetrically or mirror-symmetrically with respect to an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the distributor disc in order to create a hydrostatic equilibrium in the housing or on the distributor or the distributor disc
Data Source
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AI summary
A distribution device D for supplying individual cleaning points (RS = cleaning point) RSi, RSi+1,..., RSi+n of a vehicle with a pressurized liquid is proposed. The distribution device D has a housing G, 2, 4 with an inlet connection Az, a plurality of outlet connections ARSi, ARSi+1... ARSi+n for the individual cleaning points RSi, RSi+1,..., RSi+n , and with a return connection AR and an electromotively driveable, rotatably adjustable distributor 6 which is arranged therein and is in the form of a disc in which liquid receiving and liquid guiding means are formed. The distributor 6 is adjustable rotatably here into defined positions relative to the housing G, 2, 4 in order to permit or to prevent the supply of liquid. The disc 6 controls or guides the liquid to the desired points of the distribution device via an end-side SI, SII liquid receiving and liquid guiding means in the form of a radial groove.