Washer Nozzle Sealing Element and Compound Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior-art washer nozzles suffer from short service life due to gaps forming between the housing, sealing compound, and electrical cables, allowing moisture penetration and damaging the heating element or its contacts.
Innovation Solution
A washer nozzle design separates the sealing element and sealing compound, with the sealing element providing insulation and elasticity to manage cable and housing tightness, and the compound focused on heat conduction and strength, using a permanently elastic material like silicon for the sealing element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the sealing compound is used to both support the heating element and seal the electrical cables, then the structure is simplified, but gaps form between components due to different coefficients of expansion, allowing moisture penetration and reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sealing function into two separate components: a sealing compound for supporting the heating element and transmitting heat, and a separate sealing element (made of permanently elastic material like silicone) for sealing the electrical cables and housing gaps. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without the compromises required when using a single multi-functional material.
2Loss of energy
If the sealing compound is used for both heat transmission and sealing, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the sealing performance deteriorates due to material constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the heat transmission function (performed by the sealing compound in direct contact with the heating element) from the sealing function (performed by the elastomeric sealing element). This allows the sealing compound to be optimized for thermal conductivity while the sealing element is optimized for elastic sealing performance, eliminating the need to compromise between conflicting material properties.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials with appropriate properties are applied at different locations: the sealing compound (with good heat conduction) is positioned where heat transmission is critical, while the permanently elastic sealing element (with poor heat conduction but excellent sealing properties) is positioned where sealing against moisture is critical. This local optimization of material properties resolves the contradiction.
3Reliability
If the sealing element is made from permanently elastic material with poor heat conduction, then sealing performance and elasticity are improved, but heat transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a functional segmentation where the sealing element made of permanently elastic material (such as silicone) is responsible exclusively for sealing, while a separate sealing compound handles heat transmission. This eliminates the need for the sealing element to have good heat conduction, allowing optimal selection of elastomeric materials for sealing purposes.
4Ease of manufacture
If the sealing element and sealing compound are combined into one component, then manufacturing is simplified, but mounting the heating element becomes difficult due to abutting preventing insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the sealing element and sealing compound into distinct components with a deliberate distance between them. This spacing allows the heating element to be inserted into the duct without the sealing elements abutting and blocking insertion. The heating element can be pressed into the sealing compound for reliable holding after hardening, while the sealing element seals the electrical cables without interference.
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
This design enhances the washer nozzle's service life by ensuring reliable sealing and heat transfer, preventing moisture ingress, and simplifying mounting, while maintaining low heat conduction and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing element sealing insulators of the cables with the duct
Implementation Method 2
the sealing compound can be selected exclusively according to the intended heat conductivity and the desired strength for supporting the heating element
Implementation Method 3
The sealing element can therefore be manufactured from a permanently elastic material such as silicon
Data Source
AI summary
In a washer nozzle for a windshield washer system of a motor vehicle with a heating element held in a duct, a sealing compound for holding the heating element and a sealing element are manufactured from different materials and spaced apart from one another. Consequently, the sealing element may be manufactured from a material having poor heat conduction and the sealing compound from a material having good heat conduction. The washer nozzle has an especially long service life.