Vehicle Wash Water Distribution Device for Tank Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for controlling the distribution of washing water in vehicles are complex and expensive due to the need for significant adjustments to accommodate different types of water tanks with unique geometries, leading to high installation costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A compact device integrated into a housing that can be fixed inside or outside the water tank, featuring a standardized mechanical interface, which includes a washing water diverter, pump, electrical unit, heating device, sensors, and multiple outlets, allowing for simplified assembly and reduced cabling, enabling use across various tank sizes and geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the device is customized for each tank type and geometry, then the device fits the specific tank requirements, but the assembly complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetank compatibilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a standardized housing with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate different tank types and geometries. The housing includes a mounting plate with multiple mounting points and a standardized connection interface that works across various tank configurations, eliminating the need for custom adaptations for each tank type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into modular components including the housing, mounting plate, and internal washing water distribution components. This segmentation allows the mounting interface to be standardized while the internal components can be configured for different applications, reducing overall assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate components are used for washing water distribution, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall device size and cabling requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent optimizationVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate components (washing water diverter, pump, electrical unit, heating device, sensors, and mounting interface) into a single integrated housing. This consolidation maintains the functional optimization of each component while significantly reducing the overall device volume and eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and extensive cabling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device is designed with extensive cabling for controlling multiple outlets, then all consumers can be supplied, but the assembly time and installation effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsumer coverageVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates preliminary action by pre-integrating all electrical connections, cabling, and control elements within the housing during manufacturing. The mounting plate includes pre-arranged connection points and the electrical unit is pre-wired to all outlets, so that during installation, the device requires minimal connection work regardless of the number of consumers served.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 results in cost savings, reduced assembly times, and expanded functionality by allowing the device to be pre-assembled and easily integrated into different tank configurations, with a compact design that minimizes the need for tank adaptations and reduces cabling, enhancing the device's versatility and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A heating device serves the primary purpose of thawing frozen washing water or heating the washing water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

While the pump is used to supply the washing water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP3421306B1Device integrated into a vehicle tank for distribution of wash water
Publication Date: 2021.04.28 HELBAKO
  • EP3421306B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3421306B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3421306B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A device 1 serves to control the distribution of wash water to multiple consumers in a vehicle. The device comprises a wash water inlet 4 and a plurality of wash water outlets 5-10 that can be connected to the wash water inlet 4 and lead to the various consumers. The device is integrated into a housing 2, which can be fixed inside or outside on the wall 11 of a tank 3 installed in the vehicle for storing the wash water.