Windscreen Washer Nozzle Adjustment Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing windscreen washer arrangements lack robustness and ease of assembly, with adjustable nozzles that can be easily changed or deteriorate over time, failing to adapt effectively to different driving conditions and vehicle models.

Innovation Solution

A spraying nozzle arrangement with a rotatable connection and an adjustment screw secured by a screw holder, allowing for precise adjustment of the nozzle's position without axial movement, ensuring the setting remains stable and easy to manufacture, featuring a design where the adjustment screw is made of a softer material to engage with the nozzle's teeth, preventing accidental changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable spraying nozzles are provided to adapt to different driving conditions and vehicle models, then the adaptability and cleaning effectiveness are improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of spraying nozzleVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: an adjustment screw for precise positioning, a rotatable connection for angular adjustment, and a screw holder for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design and assembly process while maintaining full adjustability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment screw is extracted as a separate, removable component from the main nozzle assembly. This allows the adjustment mechanism to be independently serviced, adjusted, or replaced without disassembling the entire spraying system, thereby reducing assembly complexity while preserving adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the adjustment screw is made movable to allow easy adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability and stability of the setting deteriorate due to accidental changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidstability of nozzle setting
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment screw transitions from a static fastening element to a dynamic adjustment tool. When loosened, it allows rotational movement of the nozzle for positioning; when tightened, it locks the position. This dynamic behavior enables both easy adjustment during installation/maintenance and reliable fixation during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between operability and stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment screw acts as an intermediary element between the user's adjustment action and the nozzle position. By providing a threaded engagement mechanism, it translates rotational input into precise linear positioning while maintaining the setting through friction and mechanical interference, thereby ensuring both ease of adjustment and prevention of accidental changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the adjustment mechanism allows frequent adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the durability and robustness deteriorate due to wear over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency of adjustmentVSAvoiddurability of adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment screw and rotatable connection are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily replaced if worn. The use of standard threaded fasteners and basic mechanical elements means that even after extensive use and wear, the entire adjustment mechanism can be replaced by simply removing the screw, without affecting the main nozzle assembly. This approach prioritizes ease of replacement over long-term durability of individual components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows the adjustment screw to be discarded (removed and replaced) independently when worn, while recovering and retaining the main nozzle body and rotatable connection components. This selective replacement strategy extends the overall service life of the adjustment mechanism by allowing individual component renewal rather than requiring complete assembly replacement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 provides a robust, easily assembled, and adjustable windscreen washer nozzle that maintains its setting effectively, adapting to various driving conditions and vehicle models, ensuring consistent performance and durability.

Implementation Method 1

The adjustment means is designed so that the spraying nozzle is provided with threads or teeth which engage with screw threads of the adjustment screw so that the spraying nozzle can be adjusted by the adjustment screw being screwed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew threads: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The spraying nozzle and the spraying nozzle attachment are arranged to be connected to each other via a rotatable connection so that when said spraying nozzle moves relative to said spraying nozzle attachment as a result of said adjustment screw being turned or screwed in the normal manner for screws about its longitudinal axis, a turning movement is achieved at the rotatable connection between the spraying nozzle and the spraying nozzle attachment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotatable connection: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP3102338B1Spraying nozzle arrangement for windscreens and method for assembling same
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3102338B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3102338B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3102338B1 patent drawingFigure 2c

AI summary

Spraying nozzle arrangement (4) comprising a spraying nozzle (5), a spraying nozzle attachment (6) and an adjustment screw (70). The spraying nozzle (5) comprises one hose connection (53) and one spraying nozzle aperture (54). The spraying nozzle (5) and the spraying nozzle attachment (6) are movably connected to each other and provided with an adjustment means (7). The spraying nozzle (5) includes threads or teeth engaging with screw threads (72) of the adjustment screw (70). The spraying nozzle (5) is connected to the spraying nozzle attachment (6) via a rotatable connection and moves in relation to said spraying nozzle attachment (6) when the adjustment screw (70) is turned. The adjustment screw (70) is spatially secured to said spraying nozzle attachment (6) in a screw holder (61) so that the adjustment screw (70) when screwed does not move in its longitudinal direction in relation to the spraying nozzle attachment.