Compact Split-Lip Washer Nozzle for Camera Lens Spray Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive washer nozzles face challenges in achieving effective cleaning of small external surfaces like camera lenses without mechanical wipers, due to size constraints and inadequate spray patterns, especially in aesthetically designed exterior trim assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A compact shear spray nozzle with selectable spray orientation, featuring a molded one-piece design with dual shear-shaped orifices that can produce sprays with fan angles ranging from 30° to 120°, allowing for even distribution and adjustable aim, yaw, and roll angles, enabling effective cleaning in limited spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fluidic type washer nozzles are used to achieve high efficiency spray performance, then spray coverage and cleaning effectiveness are improved, but the package size increases (minimum linear distance of 6mm from fluid inlet to exit orifice)
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic circuit is segmented into multiple functional zones within a compact housing: a fluid inlet region, a fluidic circuit region with channels, a fluid impingement region with angled surfaces, and a spray exit region. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining an overall compact package size of less than 6mm linear distance from inlet to orifice.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of the fluidic circuit, with channels positioned at different heights and angles within the housing. The fluid impingement surfaces are angled relative to the fluid flow direction, creating a three-dimensional spray pattern that maximizes coverage within the constrained package volume.
2Volume of moving object
If jet spray nozzles are used to reduce package size, then the nozzle compactness is improved, but the spray pattern becomes excessively narrow requiring high flow rates or longer spray durations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a fluidic circuit design where pressurized cleaning fluid flows through channels and impinges on angled surfaces, utilizing hydraulic principles to generate a dispersed spray pattern. The fluid dynamics are controlled to create droplet formation and spray dispersion without requiring high flow rates, achieving effective cleaning with a compact package size.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shear nozzles with ball-shaped inserts are used to generate useful sprays, then spray adjustability is improved, but the package size remains problematic for compact automotive applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a movable wiper blade that can be positioned at different angles relative to the spray orifice, allowing dynamic adjustment of the spray pattern and coverage area. The wiper blade can be moved to different positions along its arc of motion, providing spray adjustability without requiring a large package size, as the adjustment mechanism is integrated into the compact nozzle housing.
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 compact nozzle design provides reliable and economical cleaning solutions for small surfaces like camera lenses, integrating seamlessly into exterior trim assemblies while maintaining a visually inconspicuous and versatile package size, ensuring effective spray coverage without the need for mechanical wipers.
Implementation Method 1
A compact shear spray nozzle with selectable spray orientation, featuring a molded one-piece design with dual shear-shaped orifices
Implementation Method 2
a fluid impingement region with first and second fluid impingement surfaces angled relative to a central axis of the housing
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2
AI summary
A very compact nozzle assembly 100, 200, 300 and spray head for an automotive washer nozzle is configured for inclusion into an automotive trim component. The compact nozzle assembly and spray head generate a very effective cleaning spray at a selected spray fan angle, yaw angle and roll angle and, in an exemplary embodiment, the spray fan is dual shear shaped, producing an even distribution, which may be varied from 30° to 120°. Spray head may be as small as 5mm in diameter and be aimed to provide a spray with various spray aim, yaw and roll angles. The design accounts for better mold ability and versatility of application.