Vehicle Washer System Flow Limiter for Camera Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle washer systems face inefficiencies when switching between washing the onboard camera and window glass, leading to excessive washer fluid supply and scattering, which can result in wasted fluid and image distortion due to bubbles.
Innovation Solution
A washer system with a pump, multiple nozzles, a switching device, and a flow limiter that adjusts the washer fluid flow quantity specifically for each washing subject, ensuring the correct amount is delivered to the onboard camera without excessive supply or scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the same quantity of washer fluid is supplied to both the window glass and the onboard camera, then the window glass can be washed effectively, but the onboard camera receives excessive washer fluid causing waste and scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different flow quantities of washer fluid to different washing subjects based on their specific needs. The flow limiter for the onboard camera restricts the flow quantity to match the camera's smaller surface area, while the window glass receives a larger flow quantity appropriate for its larger surface area. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring each subject receives the appropriate amount of washer fluid without excessive supply to the camera.
2Reliability
If the same quantity of washer fluid is supplied to both the window glass and the onboard camera, then the window glass can be washed effectively, but the washer fluid scatters heavily reducing washing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The flow limiter implements local quality control by restricting the washer fluid flow quantity specifically for the onboard camera based on its smaller surface area requirements. This prevents the excessive supply that causes scattering and ensures the washer fluid is delivered with appropriate precision to match the camera's washing needs, while the window glass continues to receive sufficient fluid for effective washing.
3Device complexity
If a single pump supplies washer fluid to multiple nozzles, then the system structure is simplified, but the flow quantity cannot be precisely controlled for each nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flow limiter as an intermediary component in the washer fluid supply system. This flow limiter is placed between the pump and the onboard camera nozzle to precisely control and restrict the flow quantity of washer fluid supplied to the camera. This allows the system to maintain a relatively simple overall structure with a single pump while achieving precise flow quantity control for different nozzles through the intermediary flow limiting device.
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 system effectively limits the washer fluid flow to the onboard camera, reducing waste and bubble generation, thereby maintaining clear images by matching the fluid supply to the camera's needs and minimizing turbulence.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (P) adapted to pump washer fluid, which is stored in a tank (T) of the vehicle, out of the tank
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of nozzles (N1, N2) is placed to correspond with a corresponding one of a plurality of washing subjects of the vehicle and is adapted to spray the washer fluid over the corresponding one of the plurality of washing subjects
Implementation Method 3
The flow limiter (11) is placed in a flow path between an inlet (B1) of the switching device and an outlet (N2a) of a corresponding one of the plurality of nozzles and limits a flow quantity of the washer fluid, which is fed from the switching device to the outlet (N2a) of the corresponding one of the plurality of nozzles
Data Source
AI summary
Each of a plurality of nozzles is placed to correspond with a corresponding one of a plurality of washing subjects of a vehicle and is adapted to spray washer fluid over the corresponding one of the washing subjects upon receiving the washer fluid from a pump. A switch valve is adapted to switch a supply destination of the washer fluid, which is pumped from the pump, among the nozzles. A control conduit is placed in a flow path between an inlet of the switch valve and an outlet of a corresponding one of the nozzles and limits a flow quantity of the washer fluid, which is fed from the switch valve to the outlet of the corresponding one of the nozzles.