Washer Fluid Connector Heating for Cold Zone Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washer fluid distribution systems in motor vehicles are prone to cold zones and freezing issues at the junction between the main hydraulic pipe and secondary hydraulic pipes, disrupting fluid circulation, especially at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A washer fluid distribution device with a connectors support featuring a base equipped with a fixing device and a housing that accommodates a heating element, allowing for heat transfer to the hydraulic coupling, thereby warming the junction without heating the pipes themselves, using a heat-conducting resin and a retaining cap for efficient heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hydraulic pipes are heated to prevent freezing, then the washer fluid circulation is maintained, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of heating the entire hydraulic pipe system, the invention applies heating only to the critical coupling zones where cold spots form. The heating element is localized to the connector support housing, targeting specifically the junction areas between main and secondary hydraulic pipes, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining circulation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector support housing acts as an intermediary thermal conductor between the heating element and the hydraulic couplings. The housing wall portion in contact with the coupling transfers heat locally to the junction area, serving as a thermal mediator that prevents freezing without requiring direct heating of the entire pipe network.
2Temperature
If heating elements are integrated into the hydraulic pipes, then the pipes are warmed, but the ease of manufacture and assembly decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is segmented from the hydraulic pipe system and integrated into the connector support housing instead. This allows the heating element to be manufactured and assembled as a separate module, simplifying pipe manufacturing while enabling easy assembly of the heating component into the connector support during final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is merged with the connector support housing structure rather than being integrated into the hydraulic pipes. This combination simplifies manufacturing by allowing the housing to serve dual purposes: structural support and thermal conduction to the couplings, while maintaining ease of assembly through modular installation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a heating system is added to warm the hydraulic couplings, then cold zones are eliminated, but the device bulk and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector support housing is given multiple functions: it provides structural support for the couplings, serves as a thermal conduction path from the heating element, and acts as a mounting structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating components, reducing overall device complexity while effectively eliminating cold zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector support housing is made of a heat-conducting material that combines structural integrity with thermal conduction properties. This composite approach allows the housing to simultaneously serve as a mechanical support and a thermal pathway, eliminating cold spots without adding separate heating components.
4Temperature
If the connector support is made of heat-conducting material, then heat transfer to couplings is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing material's thermal conductivity parameter is optimized to provide sufficient heat transfer without using expensive high-conductivity materials. By carefully selecting a material with moderate thermal conductivity that is still adequate for the application, the design achieves effective heat transfer to the couplings while maintaining cost-effectiveness and ease of manufacture.
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 effectively prevents cold zones and ensures continuous washer fluid circulation by warming the hydraulic couplings, maintaining the washer fluid's effectiveness and preventing freezing, even at low temperatures, while being cost-effective, compact, and easy to assemble or dismantle.
Implementation Method 1
a housing accommodating a heating element of the distribution device is formed in the connector support, a wall portion delimiting the housing being intended to be in contact with the at least one hydraulic coupling
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a washer fluid distribution device (1) comprising a connectors support (9) comprising a base (31) equipped with a fixing device (18) configured to hold at least one hydraulic coupling (7, 8) at a location on the base (31), characterized in that a housing (35) accommodating a heating element (36) of the distribution device (1) is formed in the connector support (9), a wall portion delimiting the housing (35) being intended to be in contact with the at least one hydraulic coupling (7, 8).