Vehicle Windshield Washer Fluid Replenishment via Rainwater Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Windshield washer reservoirs often run dry quickly, especially in winter months, due to frequent use and lack of a reliable method for replenishing and conditioning the fluid, leading to reduced visibility and operational inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising collection funnels on the vehicle to gather rainwater and dew, which is then directed to a fluid conditioning cartridge for treatment and mixing with additives before being returned to the reservoir, utilizing ion exchange resin and capillary action to condition and replenish the washer fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If windshield washer fluid is frequently used to clean the windshield in winter, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the fluid in the reservoir is depleted rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers and reuses rainwater and dew that would otherwise be discarded, collecting these fluids through funnels positioned on the vehicle. The collected natural fluids are then integrated with the windshield washer reservoir, effectively recovering free water resources to supplement the finite washer fluid supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's exposure to rain and dew naturally provides water for the washer reservoir without requiring active intervention. The system passively collects these environmental fluids through gravity-fed funnels, allowing the vehicle to service itself by utilizing ambient moisture sources.
2Ease of operation
If the windshield washer system is used repeatedly to remove slush and road substances, then visibility is improved, but the operator must constantly monitor and replenish the fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic collection system continuously gathers rainwater and dew through funnels and delivers it to the reservoir without operator intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for the operator to monitor fluid levels or manually refill the reservoir, freeing them to focus on driving.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous fluid replenishment through passive collection of environmental moisture. Rather than periodic manual refilling, the continuous exposure of the vehicle to rain and dew provides an ongoing supply that automatically topes off the reservoir, ensuring uninterrupted availability of washer fluid.
3Quantity of substance
If collected rainwater is used to replenish the reservoir, then fluid supply is improved, but the water requires conditioning to maintain cleaning performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs disposable or periodically replaceable filter elements and conditioning cartridges that can be easily swapped. These consumable components provide the necessary filtration and conditioning functions without requiring complex, maintainable systems. The simplicity and low cost of these replaceable elements justify their use in exchanging for the benefit of automatic fluid replenishment.
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 system ensures a continuous supply of conditioned fluid for windshield washing, reducing the need for constant monitoring and maintaining optimal cleaning performance across varying weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing ion exchange resin and capillary action to condition and replenish the washer fluid
Implementation Method 2
utilizing ion exchange resin and capillary action to condition and replenish the washer fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of collecting and conditioning rainwater and other moisture, such as dew, from a windshield of a vehicle and utilizing the collected fluid to replenish the fluids in the windshield washer reservoir. A collection funnel is positioned on a vehicle in order to collect rainwater and other moisture. Rainwater and other fluids from the collection funnel are directed to a conditioning cartridge where the water is de-ionized and windshield washer fluid is added. The cartridges are designed to be single replaceable units. The mixed fluid from the mixing cartridge is directed to the pre-existing windshield washer reservoir.