Integrated Washer Pump Heating for Windshield Frost Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing frost from vehicle windshields are inconvenient, requiring additional tools or passive heating methods that are not efficient.
Innovation Solution
A washer pump with a built-in heater unit using a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) device to heat washer fluid, which is then sprayed onto the windshield, incorporating a helical heating area increasing portion and a vortex generating portion to enhance heating efficiency, and a control unit for timed voltage application to manage impeller and heater operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a heater unit is added to the washer pump to heat washer fluid, then frost removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater unit is integrated into the washer pump housing, combining the heating function with the existing fluid delivery system. This merging approach allows the washer pump to perform both fluid pumping and heating functions through a single integrated device, improving frost removal capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer pump is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a fluid delivery mechanism and a heating device. The heater unit within the pump housing enables the system to heat washer fluid for frost removal, while the same pump structure continues to deliver the heated fluid to the windshield, achieving multi-functionality.
2Temperature
If a heater unit is installed in the washer pump, then heating performance is improved, but the area occupied by the heating device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater unit is nested within the existing washer pump housing structure. By placing the heating element inside the pump's internal cavity and routing the washer fluid through passages within the heater assembly, the design achieves high heating performance while utilizing the existing spatial envelope of the pump, thereby minimizing the additional area occupied.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater unit utilizes the internal three-dimensional space of the pump housing rather than adding external heating components. The heating elements are positioned within internal passages and cavities, transforming the available volume into functional heating space, which improves heating performance without significantly increasing the external footprint of the device.
3Temperature
If a heater unit is added to the washer pump, then washer fluid heating capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater unit operates periodically rather than continuously, being activated only when frost conditions are detected or when the washer pump is already running. This periodic operation reduces overall power consumption while maintaining effective heating capability when needed, as the heater only consumes power during actual heating cycles rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system utilizes parameter changes in the washer fluid flow rate and temperature to optimize power consumption. By adjusting the duty cycle of the heater and coordinating with the pump operation, the system achieves effective heating while minimizing energy usage through intelligent control of heating parameters.
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 washer pump effectively and conveniently removes frost from windshields by spraying hot washer fluid, minimizing device size and power consumption while maintaining high heating performance.
Implementation Method 1
a heater unit disposed in the housing on a course extending from the inlet substantially to the outlet to heat the washer fluid passing through the heater unit
Implementation Method 2
a vortex generating portion which is disposed in the passage of the path member such that the vortex generating portion does not interfere with the heating area increasing portion, and generates a vortex of the washer fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A washer pump apparatus having a washer fluid heating function, may include a housing having an inlet provided at a first end thereof to permit a washer fluid to flow thereinto, and an outlet provided at a second end thereof to permit the washer fluid to flow out therefrom, a heater unit disposed in the housing on a course extending from the inlet substantially to the outlet to heat the washer fluid passing through the heater unit, and having a hollow portion therein, a path member inserted into the hollow portion, and having on an inner circumference thereof a passage through which the washer fluid passes, an impeller unit provided in the housing and supplying the washer fluid from the inlet to the outlet, a check valve provided at a portion of the outlet, and being open when a discharge pressure of the washer fluid is a preset value or more, and a control unit selectively operating the impeller unit and the heater unit.