Rotary Liquid Distributor for Multi-Point Vehicle Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cleaning systems face challenges in efficiently distributing cleaning liquid to multiple locations, particularly with the increasing number of vehicle sensors, leading to increased costs, complexity, and liquid consumption.
Innovation Solution
A distributing device with a rotatable distributor and liquid-receiving and guiding means, such as annular and longitudinal grooves, allows direct distribution to cleaning locations while reducing the need for pumps and enabling liquid return, thus saving costs and space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pumps are used to supply cleaning liquid to multiple locations, then each cleaning location can be supplied reliably, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning liquid supply functions into a single distributing device with a rotatable distributor. One pressurized feed connection supplies liquid to the distributor, which then rotates to direct liquid to multiple different cleaning locations through multiple discharge connections. This merging of functions eliminates the need for multiple separate pumps while maintaining reliable supply to all locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributing device serves multiple functions: it receives pressurized cleaning liquid from a single feed connection, stores it in a distribution chamber, and can direct this liquid to multiple different cleaning locations through rotation of the distributor. This multi-functional design allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate pumping systems.
2Reliability
If multiple pumps are used to supply cleaning liquid to multiple locations, then each cleaning location can be supplied reliably, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning liquid supply functions into a single distributing device with a rotatable distributor. One pressurized feed connection supplies liquid to the distributor, which then rotates to direct liquid to multiple different cleaning locations through multiple discharge connections. This merging of functions eliminates the need for multiple separate pumps while maintaining reliable supply to all locations.
3Reliability
If cleaning liquid is continuously circulated to multiple locations, then all cleaning locations remain clean, but liquid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distributing device operates by periodically rotating the distributor to different positions, directing pressurized cleaning liquid to different cleaning locations in sequence rather than continuously to all locations simultaneously. This periodic action allows a limited amount of cleaning liquid to serve multiple locations over time, reducing overall liquid consumption while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
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 simplifies vehicle cleaning by reducing the need for pumps, lowering liquid consumption, and enhancing the vehicle's range, while ensuring efficient distribution to multiple cleaning locations, including sensor areas.
Implementation Method 1
a feed connection charged with liquid pressure is fluidically connected to one of multiple discharge connections
Data Source
AI summary
A distributing device D for supplying a pressurized liquid to individual cleaning locations of a vehicle. Here, the distributing device includes a housing with an electric-motor-drivable distributor arranged therein and also includes liquid-receiving and liquid-guiding means. Here, the distributor is rotatably adjustable relative to the housing into individual defined positions in which a feed connection AZ charged with liquid pressure is fluidically connected to one of multiple discharge connections ARSi, ARSi+1 . . . ARSi+n for providing a supply to an associated cleaning location. Here, the distributor, which is of substantially cylindrical form, directs the liquid—according to rotational adjustment—via radially circumferential liquid-receiving and liquid-guiding means to one of the discharge connections ARSi, ARSi+1 . . . ARSi+n. Also proposed are a liquid-distributing actuator with such a distributing device D, and a cleaning device with such a liquid-distributing actuator, a vehicle with such a cleaning device, and an operating method.