Springless Valve Design for Vehicle Headlamp Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional headlamp cleaning devices are expensive due to the complexity and number of moving parts required for controlling the extension movement of nozzles, particularly in designs using spring-biased non-return valves.
Innovation Solution
A springless fluid valve design that relies on positive fluid pressure for opening and utilizes the material's inherent tensile forces for closure, reducing the number of moving parts and eliminating the need for additional springs, with a diaphragm-type sealing member made from resilient materials like EPDM or rubber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring-biased non-return valves are used to control nozzle extension movement, then reliable valve operation is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring component from the traditional non-return valve mechanism, extracting the element that causes complexity and cost increases while maintaining the essential valve function through alternative means (fluid pressure and geometry)
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism uses the fluid pressure itself and the geometric configuration of the valve body to achieve automatic opening and closing operations without requiring external spring biasing, making the system self-sufficient
2Force
If additional springs are added to the valve mechanism, then valve closure force is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based force generation system with a fluid pressure-based system combined with geometric design, eliminating the need for additional spring components while maintaining adequate closure force
3Shape
If telescopic cylinder arrangement is used for nozzle extension, then concealed nozzle positioning is achieved, but additional moving parts and complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve body and nozzle carrier into an integrated unit, merging multiple functions (valve operation, nozzle positioning, fluid distribution) into a single component structure, thereby reducing the number of separate moving parts
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 manufacturing, reduces costs, and minimizes moving parts while maintaining effective nozzle extension and retraction using fluid pressure, allowing for efficient cleaning of vehicle surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing member comprises a cup-shaped diaphragm provided with a peripheral mounting flange, the diaphragm defining a substantially flat sealing surface yieldingly the engaging the sealing seat and being displaceable relative to the mounting flange upon the action of the fluid pressure.
Implementation Method 2
Opening of the valve according to the invention is only achieved by positive fluid pressure being applied to its inlet side, and closure, which means return to the original position, is only achieved from resultant tensile forces stored within the material of a moving part of the fluid valve.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 4
AI summary
The invention refers to a headlamp cleaning device comprising at least one nozzle carrier (7) for mounting on a cleaning liquid supply tube (4a, 4b), the nozzle carrier (7) defining at least one cleaning liquid supply conduit (8) for a pressurized cleaning fluid and being provided with at least one cleaning fluid distribution chamber (13), said chamber communicating with said cleaning liquid supply conduit (8) and with at least one spray nozzle (9) mounted on said nozzle carrier (7), wherein said distribution chamber (13) is provided with at least one inlet port (20) which in a non-pressurized state is closed by a fluid valve and wherein said fluid valve is designed as a springless valve.