Self-Service Multi-Fluid Dispensing for On-Demand Vehicle Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield washer systems are limited in cleaning effectiveness and often require attendant assistance, with low-quality fluid options and additional costs for high-quality fluid application.
Innovation Solution
A multi-fluid dispensing self-service station that includes a receptacle with blend center units and HIDs for mixing windshield washer and interior cleaning solutions, allowing users to dispense high-quality fluids without attendants, featuring user-interactive technologies and various mounting configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If windshield washer fluid is held within a bucket at gas stations, then the system is simple and low-cost, but the fluid quality is low and cleaning effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fluid storage into separate concentrate containers and water supply, allowing high-quality concentrated fluid to be mixed with water at the point of use. This segmentation enables quality improvement without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated dispensing system allows users to serve themselves with high-quality mixed fluid without attendant assistance. The system automatically mixes concentrate with water and dispenses it, eliminating the need for manual bucket-based application while maintaining simplicity.
2Quantity of substance
If an attendant is used to apply high-quality windshield washer fluid, then the fluid quality is high, but the service cost increases and user independence decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables complete user independence by automating the fluid mixing and dispensing process. Users simply interact with the interface, and the system handles concentrate mixing, water addition, and dispensing automatically, eliminating attendant requirements while maintaining high fluid quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual attendant application process is replaced with an automated electronic control system that manages concentrate dosing, water mixing, and fluid dispensing. This substitution maintains service quality while enhancing user independence.
3Area of stationary object
If traditional windshield wipers are used, then the mechanism is simple, but the cleaning area is limited and specific patterns reduce effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides multi-functionality by offering both automated fluid dispensing and various mounting configurations (wall-mounted, pedestal-mounted, portable). This universal approach allows the system to adapt to different locations and usage scenarios, expanding effective cleaning coverage without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Quantity of substance
If high-quality windshield washer fluid is provided by attendants at gas stations, then the cleaning effectiveness is high, but additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system eliminates attendant service fees by enabling users to independently mix and dispense high-quality fluid. The self-service model removes the service charge component while maintaining fluid quality through automated concentrate mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the concentration parameter by allowing users to select different concentrate-to-water ratios based on cleaning needs. This flexibility optimizes fluid quality and cost-efficiency, enabling users to adjust concentration levels rather than paying for fixed high-quality service.
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 effective cleaning of windshields and vehicle interiors using high-quality fluids, providing user-friendly, cost-effective, and efficient operation with optional payment systems and mounting options.
Implementation Method 1
The first HID is designed to mix windshield washer concentrate with water to form the windshield washer solution
Implementation Method 2
the second HID is designed to mix interior cleaning concentrate with water to form a cleaning solution
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-fluid dispenser self service station for automotive cleaning. The system dispenses both a windshield washer fluid and a vehicle interior fluid. The combination of both dispensers allows one to properly clean the windshield and clean the interior of one's vehicle without the need for an attendant. The system provides the user with high quality windshield washer fluid and vehicle interior cleaning solution. The system includes a receptacle, a first and second blend center unit, and a first and second HID. The first blend center unit and the first HID work in tandem to dispense windshield washer solution. Similarly, the second blend center unit and the second HID work in tandem to dispense a cleaning solution for cleaning the vehicle interior. Both types of fluids can be dispensed either in a dispensing container or a spray bottle. The system uses simple, user-interactive, and cost-effective technologies to provide a user-friendly experience.