Retractable Washer Nozzle Membrane Seal for Passive Flow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retractable cleaning devices for motor vehicles face issues with passive flow of washing liquid due to gravity when the reservoir is positioned higher than the device, leading to potential emptying of the reservoir, especially when the device is retracted.
Innovation Solution
A retractable cleaning device with an elastically deformable membrane between the piston and the distribution nozzle, which allows fluid connection only under a specific pressure (≥0.1 bar), preventing passive flow by maintaining the membrane's seal until sufficient pressure is reached to deform and allow washing liquid ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cleaning device is arranged on a lower part of the motor vehicle with the washing liquid reservoir positioned higher, then the device can spray washing liquid onto upper surfaces such as headlight lenses, but the washing liquid may passively flow through the piston due to gravity and empty the reservoir even when the device is retracted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastically deformable membrane within the piston structure that acts as a flexible barrier. This membrane remains closed under low pressure (preventing gravitational passive flow) but deforms open under sufficient washing liquid pressure (enabling controlled dispensing). The membrane's elastic properties allow it to dynamically respond to pressure changes, blocking gravity-driven flow while permitting pump-driven flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston incorporates a dynamic sealing mechanism where the membrane's state changes from closed to open based on operating conditions. When the cleaning device is retracted, the membrane remains closed to prevent passive flow. When the pump activates and pressure reaches a threshold, the membrane deforms to an open state, allowing washing liquid to pass through the piston to the nozzle for dispensing.
2Shape
If the piston is made retractable to avoid a prominent block on the vehicle bodywork, then the aesthetic appearance and nozzle protection are improved, but the risk of passive washing liquid flow increases when the device is in the retracted position
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable piston integrates an elastically deformable membrane that functions as a pressure-sensitive valve. In the retracted position, the membrane maintains a closed configuration that reliably blocks gravitational flow paths. The membrane's flexibility allows it to conform to the compact retracted geometry while maintaining sealing integrity, preventing passive flow despite the device's recessed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane's physical state changes based on pressure parameters. At low pressure (gravitational head only), the membrane remains in a closed configuration preventing flow. When washing liquid pressure exceeds a threshold (activated by the pump), the membrane deforms to an open state, allowing controlled flow through the piston. This parameter-dependent behavior ensures reliability in both retracted and extended positions.
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 effectively limits the risk of passive washing liquid flow, ensuring the device functions correctly even when positioned lower than the reservoir, maintaining the washing liquid supply and preventing premature emptying.
Implementation Method 1
at least one membrane deformable under a determined pressure of the washing liquid so as to allow the fluid connection between the at least one washing liquid outlet of the piston and the at least one washing liquid ejection outlet of the dispensing nozzle
Implementation Method 2
said at least one membrane being deformable under a determined pressure of the washing liquid so as to allow the fluid connection
Data Source
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AI summary
A retractable cleaning device (1) for a component of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one piston (10) movable by sliding within a hollow body (20) and comprising at a first end (10a) an inlet (101) for washing fluid and at a second end (10b) at least one outlet (102) for washing fluid, said cleaning device (1) comprising a washing fluid dispensing nozzle (30) fixed to the second end (10b) of the piston (10), said dispensing nozzle (30) comprising at least one ejection outlet (31) for washing fluid fluid connected fluidly to at least one outlet (102) for washing fluid of the second end (10b), the cleaning device (10) comprising at least one elastically deformable membrane (40) disposed between the second end (10b) and the dispensing nozzle (30), said at least one membrane (40) covering and closing said at least one outlet (102) for washing fluid,said at least one membrane (40) being deformable under a determined pressure of the washing fluid so as to allow fluidic connection between at least one washing fluid outlet (102) and at least one washing fluid ejection outlet (31).