Washer Fluid Heater Layout to Prevent Heater Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washer fluid heating devices can experience steaming issues when an air layer forms above the washer fluid, leading to potential damage and false failure recognition due to the exposure of the heater's distal end portion.
Innovation Solution
The washer fluid heating device design includes a container with a lid portion and heating means where the outflow pipe's outlet is positioned between the distal end surface of the heating means and the container's second end, ensuring the distal end of the heating means remains submerged in the washer fluid even when the device is inclined, thus preventing steaming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the outflow passage is open in the heating chamber, then the washer fluid can flow out after heating, but an air layer forms above the washer fluid causing the heater distal end to be exposed when inclined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the outflow passage outlet in a specific spatial location within the heating chamber, projecting onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the central axis. This dimensional positioning ensures the outlet is located between the distal end surface of the heating means and the second end of the container, with overlapping projection regions, preventing heater exposure when the device is inclined.
2Productivity
If the heater extends into the accommodation space, then heating efficiency is improved, but the distal end portion is exposed from the washer fluid when inclined causing no-water burning state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized protective arrangement where the outflow passage outlet is positioned to overlap with the distal end surface projection of the heating means. This local spatial relationship ensures that the washer fluid level remains above the heater distal end even when inclined, preventing no-water burning while maintaining heating efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the washer fluid heating device is inclined, then installation flexibility is improved, but steam is generated when heater distal end is exposed causing false failure recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-positions the outflow passage outlet and defines its projection region overlap with the heating means distal end surface projection before the device is installed or inclined. This preliminary spatial arrangement ensures that regardless of the device's inclination during operation, the washer fluid will always cover the heater distal end, preventing steam generation and false failure recognition.
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 configuration effectively prevents steaming and reduces the risk of damage by keeping the heating means submerged, maintaining stable liquid levels, and ensuring efficient operation regardless of the device's orientation.
Implementation Method 1
an electric heater is accommodated inside the heating chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A washer fluid heating device includes a container that contains a washer fluid, a lid portion attached to a first end of the container in a direction of a central axis line O to face an accommodation space for the washer fluid, heating means that has a proximal end portion attached to the lid portion and extends toward the accommodation space, and an outflow pipe having an outlet disposed in the accommodation space, the outlet is provided between a distal end surface of the heating means and a second end opposite to the first end of the container, and a region obtained by projecting the outlet onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the direction of the central axis line O of the container at least partially overlaps a region obtained by projecting the distal end surface of the heating means onto the virtual plane.