Vehicle Washer Fluid Control System for Sensor and Window Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cleaning systems face inefficiencies in managing washer fluid levels, leading to potential depletion during trips, which can obstruct sensor performance and windshield clarity, especially when external sensors are exposed to dirt, dust, debris, and precipitation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled cleaning system with level sensors in the washer fluid reservoir optimizes fluid distribution between external sensors and windshields, activating pumps only when obstruction thresholds are met and fluid levels are sufficient, and adjusts window wiper operations based on fluid availability and precipitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If washer fluid is stored in large quantities to ensure continuous cleaning of external sensors and windshields, then cleaning reliability is improved, but vehicle weight and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by monitoring fluid levels continuously and predicting future depletion based on current consumption rates. Level sensors detect fluid levels in advance, and the control system activates cleaning operations or alerts the driver before complete depletion occurs, ensuring cleaning reliability without requiring excessive fluid storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms through level sensors that continuously monitor washer fluid levels and provide real-time information to the control system. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of cleaning operations, prioritization between sensor and windshield cleaning, and timely alerts to drivers, allowing reliable cleaning with optimized fluid consumption rather than excessive storage.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring and cleaning operations are implemented, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring and cleaning actions rather than continuous operation. Level sensors periodically check fluid levels, and cleaning operations are activated only when obstruction thresholds are exceeded or fluid levels are sufficient. This periodic approach maintains cleaning effectiveness by responding to actual needs while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where sensors detect their own obstruction levels and automatically trigger cleaning operations when needed. The control system autonomously manages fluid allocation and pump activation based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for continuous energy-consuming monitoring and enabling cleaning effectiveness with energy-efficient, demand-driven operation.
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 system ensures efficient use of washer fluid, maintaining sensor and windshield cleanliness without the need for excessive storage, thereby preventing fluid depletion and ensuring continuous vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
pump fluid from the reservoir toward the external sensor
Implementation Method 2
level sensors arranged in the reservoir. The level sensors are positioned to allow a computer to determine when to use the washer fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A computer is programmed to, upon determining that obstruction of a window exceeds a first threshold and that a fluid level of a reservoir is above both of two level sensors vertically spaced in the reservoir, pump fluid from the reservoir toward the window; and upon determining that obstruction of an external sensor exceeds a second threshold and that the fluid level is above at least one of the level sensors, pump fluid from the reservoir toward the external sensor.