Vehicle Side Mirror Cleaning with Spray, Wiper, and De-Icing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle side mirror cleaning systems are inadequate for cleaning mirrors during vehicle transit and in various weather conditions, increasing the risk of accidents when drivers cannot stop to clear debris like snow, ice, or dirt.
Innovation Solution
A mirror cleaning system comprising a housing with a spray nozzle and wiper blade that can be securely attached to a vehicle side mirror, utilizing the vehicle's power source and cleaning fluid reservoir, allowing for independent activation to clean and de-ice the mirror without needing to stop the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driver stops the vehicle to clean the side mirror, then the mirror can be cleaned effectively, but the productivity and time efficiency deteriorate due to loss of driving time
Solution Approach 1:
The side mirror cleaning system is self-service in nature, automatically cleaning the mirror surface without requiring driver intervention. The system includes a spray nozzle that applies cleaning fluid and a wiper blade that wipes the mirror, both activated automatically or on-demand, allowing the mirror to clean itself while the vehicle is in motion
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system performs preliminary action by maintaining the mirror clean continuously or on-demand during vehicle operation, preventing debris accumulation rather than waiting for scheduled cleaning stops. This proactive approach ensures visibility is maintained without interrupting the driving flow
2Ease of operation
If the driver waits to clean the side mirror until stopping is possible, then safety is maintained by avoiding interruptions, but the mirror cleanliness deteriorates during the waiting period
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system enables continuous useful action by maintaining mirror cleanliness throughout the driving period rather than intermittently. The spray nozzle and wiper blade can operate continuously or periodically to ensure the mirror remains clean without interrupting driving, eliminating the gap between cleaning actions
3Device complexity
If a simple cleaning device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cleaning capability deteriorates in various weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system exhibits multi-functionality by incorporating multiple cleaning mechanisms (spray nozzle for fluid application, wiper blade for mechanical wiping) that can handle various contamination types and weather conditions. The system adapts to snow, ice, dirt, and other debris through its combined cleaning approaches without requiring separate specialized devices
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 safe and efficient cleaning of vehicle side mirrors in transit, reducing the risk of accidents by allowing drivers to maintain clear visibility without stopping, using the vehicle's existing power and fluid sources for convenience and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a spray nozzle attachable to the housing, such that the spray nozzle is configured to spray the mirror
Implementation Method 2
a wiper blade securable to the housing, such that the wiper blade is configured to wipe the mirror
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror cleaning system, an improved mirror for a vehicle having the system installed thereto, and a method of cleaning the improved mirror using the system. The system includes a housing attachable to a vehicle side mirror, a heating element operably connected to a power source, a wiper, and a spray nozzle fluidly connected to a cleaning fluid source. The system is designed to de-ice and de-frost the improved mirror, spray cleaning fluid thereon, and wipe debris and fluids to improve driver visibility.