Windshield Washer Module Integrated LED Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicles lack adequate lighting in the engine compartment, limiting operational tasks in poor lighting conditions, and existing solutions require additional components and complex installations.
Innovation Solution
A modular windshield washer system with an integrated LED lighting element and electric heating, connected to the vehicle's central control unit via a single conductor, allowing intelligent control of both heating and lighting without additional structural adjustments or components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If separate electric lighting units are installed in the engine compartment, then illumination is provided, but device complexity and installation complexity increase due to additional fastening elements, cables, and connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting function with the existing windshield washer system by integrating an LED lighting element into the washer nozzle module. This merging approach allows the lighting function to be provided without requiring separate mounting structures, cable routing, or additional control systems, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining illumination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The windshield washer system is given multiple functions: it continues to provide its original washing function while simultaneously serving as a mounting platform for the lighting element. The existing electrical connections and control unit are used for both heating and lighting functions, making the system universal and eliminating the need for dedicated lighting infrastructure
2Illumination intensity
If separate electric lighting units are installed, then illumination is provided, but additional structural adjustments and fastening means are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting element is merged with the windshield washer nozzle assembly, utilizing the existing structural components for mounting and support. This eliminates the need for separate fastening elements and structural adjustments, as the lighting unit becomes an integrated part of the washer system rather than a separate installation
3Extent of automation
If additional conductors and connections are added for lighting control, then intelligent control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing electrical conductor and control unit are made multi-functional by enabling them to control both the heating element and the lighting element. The control unit receives signals and distributes power to multiple functions through the same electrical infrastructure, achieving intelligent control without adding new conductors or control circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes its existing electrical infrastructure to serve multiple functions. The same conductor and control unit that originally served only the heating function now also control the lighting, allowing the system to be self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional electrical services
4Loss of energy
If waste heat from electronic elements is utilized for heating, then energy efficiency is improved, but the lighting element requires stable operation under varying temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The waste heat generated by the electronic elements and lighting element, which would normally be a loss, is converted into a beneficial heating source for the windshield washer nozzle. This thermally couples the electrical components to the fluid passage, allowing efficient heat transfer that reduces energy loss while maintaining operational reliability through proper thermal management design
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
Provides effective illumination and heating for the engine compartment with minimal additional hardware, utilizing existing control and power connections, and leveraging waste heat for efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
An LED light source is advantageously used as the lighting element
Implementation Method 2
there is an electric heating element of the nozzle
Implementation Method 3
the waste heat naturally produced in the electronic element and in the lighting element contributes to the heating of the windshield washer nozzle
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Device for illuminating a vehicle engine compartment, comprising a module of a windshield washer system (2) arranged on the inside of an engine hood (1) and adjacent to a windshield, comprising a windshield washer nozzle (6), an electric heating element (10) and an electronic element (15) which are connected via a connecting conductor (18) to a central control unit (17) of the vehicle, wherein a lighting element (12) is arranged in the module of the windshield washer system (2) which is connected via an electronic element (15) and at least one connecting conductor (18) to the central control unit (17) of the vehicle and via a ground potential conductor (27) to the vehicle body.