Washer Fluid Pump Top-Mounted Design and Level Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional washer fluid pumps have limited design freedom due to restricted mounting positions, are prone to damage from collisions with other components, and face issues with watertightness and frequent fluid replenishment needs, especially in winter conditions.
Innovation Solution
A washer fluid pump with an integrated level sensor, featuring a housing with a movable plotter and reed switch, a check valve system, and a design that allows the pump to be mounted on top of the reservoir, enabling efficient fluid usage and improved watertightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the washer fluid pump is mounted at the bottom end of the reservoir to use remaining fluid, then fluid usage efficiency is improved, but the motor position is restricted and design freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional mounting arrangement by placing the pump on top of the reservoir instead of at the bottom. The fluid introduction pipe extends downward to reach the fluid, allowing the pump to draw fluid from the bottom while maintaining a top-mounted position. This inversion resolves the contradiction by achieving both bottom fluid access and top mounting flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the fluid delivery system through the extending fluid introduction pipe. This allows the pump to be positioned in one location (top) while accessing fluid from another location (bottom), adding spatial flexibility and resolving the positioning contradiction.
2Ease of manufacture
If the motor protrudes from the reservoir, then assembly is simplified, but the motor is vulnerable to collision damage and watertightness issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the motor within the pump housing, which is itself mounted on the reservoir. This nested arrangement protects the motor from external collisions while maintaining integration. The motor is housed inside the pump assembly rather than protruding externally, eliminating vulnerability to damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump housing acts as a protective shell enclosing the motor. This housing provides watertight protection and mechanical protection against collisions, while allowing the integrated assembly to be mounted on the reservoir without exposing the motor to external hazards.
3Reliability
If the pump is positioned to maintain gaps with peripheral components, then collision prevention is improved, but the reservoir capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the pump position to the top of the reservoir, the patent eliminates the need for large gaps between the pump and peripheral components. The pump mounting location on top of the reservoir naturally provides sufficient clearance without compromising reservoir capacity, as the fluid access is achieved through the extending pipe rather than through spatial separation.
4Reliability
If the motor is located at a fixed height from the ground, then watertightness is maintained, but design flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the vertical extension of the fluid introduction pipe to decouple the pump's vertical position from its functional requirements. The pump can be mounted at various heights on the reservoir while the pipe ensures continuous fluid access from the bottom, providing mounting flexibility without compromising watertightness or fluid access.
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
The solution enhances the washer fluid pump's design flexibility, reduces the risk of damage, improves watertightness, and increases the reservoir's capacity, ensuring efficient fluid usage and minimizing the need for frequent replenishment.
Implementation Method 1
a reed switch which is switched on/off by a movement of the moving body
Implementation Method 2
a moving body which is connected to the plotter and contains a magnetic material
Implementation Method 3
a check valve mounted between the upper pipe and the lower pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A washer fluid pump includes: a housing in which a motor and an impeller rotated by the motor are housed; a washer fluid introduction pipe which extends vertically from the housing; a plotter which is movable along the washer fluid introduction pipe; a moving body which is connected to the plotter and contains a magnetic material; and a reed switch which is switched on/off by a movement of the moving body.