Vehicle Washer Apparatus with Solenoid Valve for Camera and Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing onboard camera washer apparatuses for vehicles require dedicated space and components, increasing costs and complexity, especially in compact vehicles, due to the need for separate washer fluid tanks and pumps for both rear window and camera lenses.
Innovation Solution
A washer apparatus that utilizes a shared tank and pump system, with a solenoid switch valve to divert washer fluid between a rear window wash nozzle and a camera wash nozzle based on the vehicle's reverse gear position, allowing for automatic camera lens cleaning without additional dedicated components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated washer fluid tank and pump are provided for the onboard camera, then the camera washing function is reliable and independent, but the device complexity and accommodation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the rear window washer system to serve dual purposes: washing the rear window glass and washing the onboard camera lens. The same tank, pump, and control switch are used for both functions, eliminating the need for dedicated camera washing components while maintaining reliable washing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the camera washing function with the existing rear window washing system. The washer fluid delivery system is combined so that one system performs both washing tasks, reducing overall system complexity and component count.
2Reliability
If a dedicated washer fluid tank and pump are provided for the onboard camera, then the camera washing function is independent and reliable, but the accommodation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the rear window washer system to serve dual purposes: washing the rear window glass and washing the onboard camera lens. The same tank, pump, and control switch are used for both functions, eliminating the need for dedicated camera washing components while maintaining reliable washing capability.
3Reliability
If a dedicated washer fluid tank and pump are provided for the onboard camera, then the camera washing function is independent, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the rear window washer system to serve dual purposes: washing the rear window glass and washing the onboard camera lens. The same tank, pump, and control switch are used for both functions, eliminating the need for dedicated camera washing components while maintaining reliable washing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the camera washing function with the existing rear window washing system. The washer fluid delivery system is combined so that one system performs both washing tasks, reducing overall system complexity and component count.
4Ease of operation
If the washing operation requires manual switch manipulation, then the control is simple and direct, but the ease of operation decreases and requires driver attention
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service washing by automatically activating the camera washing function when the vehicle is in reverse gear. The washing operation occurs automatically without requiring driver intervention, while still allowing manual activation through the washer switch when needed.
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
This solution reduces the space and cost requirements for the washer apparatus, allows for efficient automatic camera lens cleaning during reverse gear operation, and conserves washer fluid by ensuring it is only applied to the camera lens when needed.
Implementation Method 1
The electric pump is adapted to pump the washer fluid from the tank and thereby to supply the washer fluid toward the camera wash nozzle and the at least one window wash nozzle
Implementation Method 2
The switching device is provided at a location between the upstream side portion of the main conduit and the branch conduit and is adapted to connect the upstream side portion of the main conduit to one of the at least one window wash nozzle and the camera wash nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A branch conduit is branched from a main conduit. A switching device is provided at a location between an upstream side portion of the main conduit and the branch conduit and is adapted to connect the upstream side portion of the main conduit to one of a rear window wash nozzle and a camera wash nozzle. When the switching device receives an electric signal, which indicates placement of a vehicle in a reverse drive mode, the switching device connects the upstream side portion of the main conduit to the camera wash nozzle through the branch conduit upon disconnecting the upstream side portion of the main conduit from the at least one window wash nozzle.