Vehicle Washer Fluid Accessory with Debris Collection Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid spray systems for vehicles often suffer from debris entering the washer fluid reservoir, causing damage to surfaces and internal components, and previous solutions like filters clog quickly, reducing flow rate and requiring frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A fluid accessory with a body featuring longitudinal protrusions and debris collection channels that redirect debris away from the filter, allowing it to accumulate within the channels rather than clogging the filter, thus maintaining system performance and extending the lifespan of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter is positioned within the nozzle or adapter upstream to prevent debris from being sprayed, then debris protection is improved, but the filter becomes clogged quickly reducing flow rate and requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is segmented from the main flow path by creating a separate debris collection chamber. The filter media is positioned to only block debris that attempts to pass through it, while debris collection channels provide an alternative path for debris to be stored away from the filter, preventing clogging and maintaining flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
Debris collection channels act as an intermediary between the filter and the outlet. These channels capture and store debris before it can clog the filter, serving as a buffer that protects the filter's functionality and maintains system productivity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter is positioned within the nozzle or adapter upstream to prevent debris from being sprayed, then debris protection is improved, but the filter requires frequent replacement reducing system lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is segmented from the main flow path by creating a separate debris collection chamber. The filter media is positioned to only block debris that attempts to pass through it, while debris collection channels provide an alternative path for debris to be stored away from the filter, preventing clogging and maintaining flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
Debris is discarded into dedicated collection channels rather than being forced through the filter. This allows the filter to remain clean and functional for extended periods, significantly extending its service life and reducing replacement frequency.
3Quantity of substance
If debris collection channels are created between protrusions and the sleeve, then debris storage capacity is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions serve multiple functions: they structurally support the body, define the debris collection channels, and work with the sleeve to create debris storage spaces. This multi-functionality increases debris capacity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The debris collection channels are nested within the existing body structure, utilizing the space between protrusions and the sleeve. This nested arrangement maximizes debris storage capacity while minimizing additional structural complexity, as the channels are formed by the existing geometric features rather than requiring separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed inventive concept provides a fluid accessory for facilitating the dispensing of fluid onto a vehicle's windshield, cameras, sensors, or the like. The fluid accessory includes a body having an inlet portion and an outlet portion in which an inlet adapter and an outlet adapter, respectively, are fitted. The fluid accessory also includes a sleeve which is fitted within the body and around the inlet adapter. The body includes a plurality of longitudinal protrusions extending radially into the body. The sleeve and longitudinal projections cooperate to define a plurality of debris collection channels for collecting debris flowing within the fluid and through the fluid accessory. The fluid accessory also includes a filter media, such as a filter media, which is positioned between the outlet adapter and the body.