Thermally Conductive Adapter for Washer Fluid Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The junction zone between the main pipe under the hood and the secondary lines of motor vehicle wiper blades creates cold zones that can disrupt the circulation of windshield washer fluid, potentially blocking it, especially in low temperatures, and may also lead to hot spots that could damage the hydraulic connection.
Innovation Solution
A windshield washer fluid distribution system with a thermally conductive adapter, such as a ring or strip, is used to enhance heat transfer between the heating element and the hydraulic connector, preventing cold zones and hot spots by ensuring uniform heat distribution, and a thermally conductive adapter is placed at the junction zone to maintain effective heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a hydraulic fitting is used to connect the main under-hood line to secondary wiper blade lines, then the distribution system can be assembled, but cold zones form at the junction that disrupt fluid flow in freezing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A thermally conductive adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the heating element and the hydraulic fitting. This adapter mediates heat transfer to ensure the entire fitting including the junction zone remains above freezing temperature, preventing fluid flow disruption while maintaining the assembled distribution system configuration.
2Use of energy by moving object
If heating electrical conductors are embedded in extruded sleeves of circulation channels, then the washer fluid can be heated efficiently, but hot spots may form that could damage the hydraulic connection
Solution Approach 1:
The thermally conductive adapter serves as a heat distribution intermediary between the heating conductors and the hydraulic fitting. It receives concentrated heat from the heating elements and distributes it uniformly across the entire fitting surface, including the junction zone, eliminating hot spots while maintaining heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter changes the thermal distribution parameters by transforming concentrated heat from the heating elements into uniform heat distribution across the hydraulic fitting. This parameter transformation ensures even temperature distribution and prevents localized overheating that could damage the hydraulic connection.
3Device complexity
If the junction zone is not adequately heated, then the system structure remains simple, but cold zones form that can block fluid circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The thermally conductive adapter acts as a simple intermediary component that extends heat coverage to the junction zone without significantly complicating the overall heating system structure. It ensures reliable fluid circulation by preventing cold zones at the fitting junction while maintaining system simplicity.
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 effectively heats the hydraulic connection, preventing cold zones that could disrupt fluid circulation and avoiding hot spots that might damage the connection, ensuring continuous operation and longevity of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally conductive adapter in contact with said heating element and disposed at a suitable distance to transmit at least part of the heat from said adapter to said hydraulic fitting
Implementation Method 2
the windshield washer fluid is heated/thawed. A heated transport line is used to thaw the fluid and prevent it from freezing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7a~8
AI summary
System for dispensing washer fluid (1) for motor vehicle windscreen wipers (3, 5), comprising: - at least one fluid circulation pipe (19, 21), - at least one heating element (25, 27) running along said pipe, - at least one hydraulic connector (9, 11), hydraulically connected to said pipe, characterized in that it comprises a thermally conductive adapter (55, 57) in contact with said heating element (25, 27) and positioned at a distance suited to transmitting at least some of the heat from said adapter to said hydraulic connector (9, 11).