Washer System Electrical Isolation for Pump Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional washer systems for vehicles duplicate components, increasing labor and material costs, and fail to maintain control and interlock functions when malfunctions occur, particularly due to direct electrical connections between the switch and the washer pump.

Innovation Solution

A washer system design that electronically isolates the electronic module from the washer pump, using a washer switch with a ground and fuse contact configured for control signals from a power-mode relay, and a controller with a computer-readable storage device to process and communicate signals, eliminating the need for duplicate components and dedicated input circuitry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electronic module is directly electrically connected to the washer switch and washer pump, then control functionality is maintained, but the system fails to prevent damage to the pump when malfunctions occur and increases component duplication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol and interlock functionalityVSAvoidpump damage from switch malfunction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary electrical isolation mechanism (optical isolator or transformer) between the electronic module and the washer switch/pump circuit. This mediator allows control signals to pass while preventing direct electrical connection, thus blocking harmful electrical faults from reaching the pump while maintaining control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the electrical system into isolated zones: the electronic control module operates in one electrical domain while the washer switch and pump operate in another. The segmentation is achieved through electrical isolation components that divide the system into electrically independent sections, allowing control while preventing fault propagation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If duplicate components (relays, transistors) are used in the washer system, then control redundancy is provided, but labor and material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol redundancyVSAvoidlabor and material cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple control functions into a single integrated electronic module that communicates with the washer switch through isolated interfaces. Instead of duplicating relays and transistors throughout the system, the control logic is consolidated in one module, reducing component count while maintaining control redundancy through software or internal circuit design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic module is designed as a universal control unit that can handle multiple washer pump control functions (front windshield washer, rear window washer) through a single isolated interface. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated relays and transistors for each function, reducing overall component duplication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the electronic module is electrically connected to the fuse box and washer switch, then system integration is achieved, but the module becomes vulnerable to electrical faults from these components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidelectronic module vulnerability to electrical faults

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent places electrical isolation components as intermediaries between the electronic module and the fuse box/washer switch connections. This allows the module to remain integrated with the overall system while the intermediary blocks electrical faults from propagating into the sensitive electronic circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the electronic module from the direct electrical circuit of the fuse box and washer switch by removing the galvanic connection. The module is taken out of the high-voltage switching circuit and connected through isolated interfaces, allowing system integration while protecting against electrical faults.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9981632B2Systems for electrically isolating an electronic module from a front windshield and a rear window washer

Publication Date: 2018.05.29 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

The present technology includes a washer system comprising a washer switch assembly and an electronic module. The washer switch includes a ground configured for electrical connection with a washer pump by way of a switch and a fuse contact configured to receive control signals from a power-mode relay. The electronic module includes a controller comprising a computer-readable storage device, and the controller is electrically isolated from the washer switch assembly and the washer pump in operation of the system.