Triangular Cleaning Head for Windshield Edge Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning apparatuses for vehicle windows are ineffective in cleaning the inner surfaces, particularly the edges and lower edges, due to the extreme angles of windshields and backlights, leading to incomplete cleaning and separation of the cleaning element from the surface at critical areas.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with a triangular-shaped cleaning head featuring enlarged pads at the tip and corners, a compressive foam layer, and a peripheral lip, which provides additional downward force to maintain contact with the surface, ensuring comprehensive cleaning by preventing separation of the cleaning element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a uniform thickness foam layer is used in the cleaning head, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the cleaning element separates from the surface at tip and corner edges due to compression
Solution Approach 1:
The foam layer transitions from uniform thickness to variable thickness, with greater thickness at tip and corner regions. This local variation provides enhanced compression resistance at areas experiencing highest stress, preventing cleaning element separation while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam layer thickness parameter is changed from constant to variable across different regions of the cleaning head. Specifically, the tip and corner regions have increased thickness to compensate for compression forces, while central areas maintain standard thickness for flexibility.
2Reliability
If the foam layer thickness is increased to prevent compression at edges, then cleaning element contact is maintained, but the cleaning head becomes less flexible and harder to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing foam thickness throughout the cleaning head, the invention applies increased thickness only locally at tip and corner regions where compression occurs. The central and side regions maintain standard thickness, preserving overall flexibility and maneuverability.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam layer is effectively segmented into regions of different thicknesses - thicker at stress-prone tip and corner areas, and standard thickness elsewhere. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function: edge regions provide structural support while central regions provide flexibility.
3Area of stationary object
If manual cleaning tools are used to reach extreme lower edges of windshields, then cleaning coverage is improved, but the effort required and time consumed increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning head incorporates downwardly curved or angled tip and corner edges that conform to the extreme geometry of vehicle windshields and backlights. This curved design allows the cleaning element to naturally reach and maintain contact with hard-to-access lower edges without requiring additional manual effort or time.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning head's geometry is designed to automatically adapt to and reach extreme edges of surfaces during normal operation. The downwardly curved edges self-position to contact with lower windshield and backlight edges, eliminating the need for special manual techniques or extended cleaning time.
4Strength
If the cleaning head is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the cleaning element remains stable, but it cannot adapt to the extreme angles of windshields and backlights
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning head employs varying foam thickness to create local structural differences - thicker foam at tip and corners provides rigidity and stability where needed, while thinner foam in central regions maintains flexibility for adapting to extreme angles and surface geometries.
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 apparatus effectively cleans the entire surface of vehicle windows, including edges and lower edges, by maintaining the cleaning element in continuous contact through enhanced structural integrity and flexibility, ensuring thorough removal of debris and fluid.
Implementation Method 1
the acting force of the elastic cleaning element cover attached over the paddle results in the foam layer being compressed at the tip and corner edges
Implementation Method 2
the acting force of the elastic cleaning element cover attached over the paddle
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning head includes tip and corner ends configured for providing enlarged areas at the tip and corner ends of the cleaning head to enable the cleaning element to form a sharp 90° corner when wrapped around the tip and corners of the cleaning head.