Removable Windshield Washer Fluid Container Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current windscreen washer systems are inflexible, requiring complex assemblies and unsuitable for repeated installation or removal of containers of varying shapes and volumes, and lack the ability to identify the type of fluid in use.

Innovation Solution

A removable and interchangeable windscreen washer fluid container support system with a housing that allows easy placement and extraction of containers, featuring snap-fastening mechanisms, fluid connection conduits, and identification means for determining the type of fluid, enabling adaptation to different needs and displaying information about the fluid in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single container is used with multiple pumps or complex assembly, then multiple fluid types can be supplied, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to supply multiple fluid typesVSAvoidcomplex assembly with several pumps
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: a single container that can be replaced, a pump unit, and a control unit. This segmentation allows the container to be independently changed without affecting the pump assembly, enabling multiple fluid types to be supplied by simply replacing the container rather than using a complex multi-pump system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pump and support structure are designed as universal components that can work with different container types. The support is configured to receive various container configurations, and the pump can handle different fluids through the same mechanical interface, allowing one pump to serve multiple fluid types through container replacement.

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

2Reliability

If a fixed support configuration is used, then the container is securely held, but repeated installation and removal becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer holding stabilityVSAvoidrepeated installation and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support configuration incorporates dynamic elements such as movable clamps or adjustable securing mechanisms that can transition between locked and unlocked states. This allows the support to provide stable holding during operation while enabling easy removal when needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of repeated installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the support is configured for one type of container, then the container is securely fitted, but adaptability to various shapes and volumes is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer fitting securityVSAvoidreception of various shapes and volumes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is designed with universal features such as adjustable clamping positions, flexible securing mechanisms, and standardized connection interfaces that can accommodate different container shapes and volumes while maintaining secure fitting. This allows the same support to reliably hold various container types without requiring reconfiguration.

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

4Device complexity

If no identification means are provided, then the system is simpler, but the ability to know what type of fluid is in use is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidfluid type identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical identification systems with simpler electronic or optical identification means. For example, RFID tags, barcodes, or color-coded indicators on containers provide fluid type information without requiring complex mechanical sensing or verification mechanisms, thus maintaining system simplicity while enabling fluid identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3007947B1Device for supplying windshield washing fluid
Publication Date: 2019.07.31 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
  • EP3007947B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3007947B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3007947B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a support (10) for a removable, interchangeable container for windshield washer fluid, said support (10) being designed to be secured to a vehicle and comprising a housing for one or more containers (30), which housing is designed to allow the repeated insertion and removal of the container(s) (30). The invention also relates to a removable, interchangeable container (30) for windshield washer fluid, designed to be mounted in such a support (10). The invention also relates to a device for supplying windshield washer fluid, comprising such a support (10) and such a container (30). The invention further relates to a vehicle windshield washing system comprising such a windshield washer fluid supply device.