Adaptive Washer Controller Spray Time Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle washer systems often result in excessive cleaning liquid supply, leading to wastage and increased consumption, as they do not adjust the liquid quantity based on the washing surface conditions.
Innovation Solution
A washer controller that detects the manipulation of a washer switch and adjusts the spray time of the cleaning liquid, setting different spray times based on the elapsed time since the last manipulation and the operational status of the wiper motor to optimize the liquid quantity applied to the windshield glass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the washer system sprays cleaning liquid continuously or for fixed duration, then the window glass can be cleaned, but excessive cleaning liquid is supplied causing wastage and increased consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the spray duration adaptive rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the spray time based on the elapsed time since the last wiper operation, creating a variable spray duration that responds to changing conditions. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring sufficient cleaning liquid supply for effective cleaning while preventing excessive supply that causes wastage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of spray duration based on the timing condition (elapsed time since last wiper operation). When the elapsed time is within the predetermined period, a first spray time is set; when it exceeds the period, a second longer spray time is set. This parameter adjustment optimizes cleaning liquid usage by matching the spray quantity to the actual cleaning needs, thereby reducing wastage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
2Reliability
If the spray time is increased to ensure adequate cleaning liquid supply, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but the consumption quantity of cleaning liquid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit changes the spray time parameter based on the elapsed time condition. By setting a shorter first spray time when the elapsed time is within the predetermined period and a longer second spray time when it exceeds the period, the system optimizes cleaning liquid consumption while maintaining adequate cleaning quality. This conditional parameter adjustment prevents both insufficient and excessive liquid supply.
3Productivity
If the washer tank capacity is increased to store more cleaning liquid, then the refilling frequency decreases, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dynamically adjusting the spray time parameter based on elapsed time conditions, the system optimizes cleaning liquid usage efficiency. This reduces overall consumption quantity, which in turn decreases refilling frequency without requiring an increased tank capacity. The solution addresses the contradiction by improving usage efficiency rather than increasing storage capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A washer controller controls a washer motor in accordance with a manipulation of a washer switch. A washer switch detector determines whether a manipulation of the washer switch is performed within a predetermined time period of a last manipulation of the washer switch. A spray time controller sets a spray time to a first set time when the manipulation of the washer switch is performed within the predetermined time period of the last manipulation, and to a second set time when the manipulation of the washer switch is performed after the predetermined time period, the second set time being greater than the first set time. A washer motor controller operates the washer motor for a time period corresponding to the spray time set by the spray time controller.