Vehicle Washer Fluid Refill Using HVAC Condensate Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicles require frequent refilling or large, heavy washer fluid tanks to maintain clean external optical sensors and windshields, leading to inconvenience and decreased fuel efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Redirecting condensed liquid water from the HVAC system to the washer fluid tank, using a conduit and optionally adding anti-freeze from an adjacent reservoir, controlled by vehicle sensors and mobile application algorithms to maintain an operable washer fluid system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a larger and heavier washer fluid tank is used, then the washer fluid supply duration is extended, but the vehicle weight increases and fuel efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures and stores condensed water from the HVAC system in a dedicated reservoir, enabling the washer fluid system to replenish itself automatically during vehicle operation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for a large pre-filled tank, as water is continuously collected and made available for washer fluid mixing throughout the driving range.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the condensed water from the HVAC system as waste, the invention recovers this water and redirects it to the washer fluid tank. This recovery process transforms a waste stream into a useful resource, providing a sustainable water source that extends washer fluid supply without requiring additional vehicle weight.
2Weight of moving object
If a smaller washer fluid tank is used, then vehicle weight is reduced, but the frequency of refilling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washer fluid system automatically replenishes itself by capturing condensed water from the HVAC system during vehicle operation. This self-service capability ensures that even with a smaller tank capacity, the system maintains adequate washer fluid levels without requiring frequent manual refilling by the driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The condensed water collection occurs continuously during vehicle operation whenever the HVAC system is running. This continuous collection process ensures that the washer fluid tank is constantly being replenished, maintaining supply continuity despite the smaller tank size and reducing the need for manual intervention.
3Quantity of substance
If condensed water from HVAC system is discarded, then the washer fluid system requires external water sources, but clean drinking water is consumed frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers condensed water from the HVAC system that would otherwise be discarded. This recovered water is redirected to the washer fluid tank, providing a sustainable alternative to using clean drinking water for washer fluid replenishment and preserving this valuable resource.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the waste condensed water from the HVAC system into a beneficial resource for the washer fluid system. By redirecting this previously discarded water stream, the system creates a sustainable water supply that reduces dependency on clean drinking water while utilizing an available byproduct.
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 allows for a smaller, lighter washer fluid tank that is constantly refilled, reducing the need for frequent topping-off and preserving clean drinking water, while maintaining washer fluid functionality even in cold conditions.
Implementation Method 1
When air passes through the HVAC system of a vehicle, air humidity condenses to liquid water when it passes through the cold heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure redirects unused condensed liquid water from the HVAC system to the washer fluid system such that the washer fluid tank, which may be relatively small and light, does not have to be topped-off frequently. The washer fluid tank is constantly refilled, and the washer fluid supply does not have to be replenished with clean drinking water as often, preserving this important environmental resource. Vehicle sensor data and/or a mobile application usage algorithm control filling of the washer fluid tank, and optionally periodically add anti-freeze from an adjacent reservoir when necessary to maintain an operable washer fluid system even below 0 degrees C.