Windscreen Washer Tank Sliding Collar Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle windshield cleaning systems face challenges in providing a reliable and cost-effective method for connecting and replacing liquid reservoirs, with complex mechanical and fluidic connections that can be cumbersome and prone to assembly failures.
Innovation Solution
A reservoir with a sliding collar mechanism for secure mechanical attachment and a flexible pouch design, combined with a support featuring a notch-based sliding device and elastic retaining branches for easy installation and fluidic connection, allowing for simple and ergonomic replacement of the reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical attachment and fluid connection methods are used between reservoir and support, then the connection is functional, but the complexity of assembly increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical attachment function and fluidic connection function into a single integrated operation. When the reservoir is inserted into the support, the collar automatically engages with the support's receiving structure while the outlet simultaneously connects to the fluidic circuit through a single insertion motion, eliminating separate assembly steps and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The collar structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical retention of the reservoir in the support, positions the outlet for fluidic connection, and guides the insertion process. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the assembly while maintaining reliable mechanical and fluidic connections
2Ease of operation
If complex mechanical and fluidic connections are used, then connection functionality is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is designed as a separable unit with a distinct collar that can be independently inserted into the support. This segmentation allows the user to handle and replace just the reservoir without manipulating separate mechanical fasteners or fluid connections, simplifying the operation to a single insertion and extraction motion while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The collar and support structure are designed to automatically establish both mechanical attachment and fluidic connection upon insertion, without requiring user intervention to operate separate mechanisms. The system self-activates the connection functions through the geometric design of the collar engagement, making reservoir replacement simple and intuitive
3Reliability
If traditional reservoir mounting is used, then mechanical attachment is achieved, but assembly failure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed to nest within a corresponding receiving structure in the support, with the outlet positioned to nest within the fluidic circuit connection point. This nested arrangement ensures proper alignment and secure engagement of both mechanical and fluidic components simultaneously, reducing the risk of assembly failures while maintaining a simple overall structure
Data Source
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AI summary
A motor vehicle windscreen cleaning liquid tank, a support for such a container and an assembly comprising such a container and support. The invention concerns a container (1) for liquid and a support (2) intended to be installed in a vehicle in order to clean a glazed surface. The container (1) comprises a neck (4) extending along an extension axis (A). The container (1) comprises at least one sliding device (20) for sliding the neck (4) in a direction transverse to its extension axis (A). The sliding device (20) is configured to mechanically link the container (1) to a support (2) comprising a first wall (26) that delimits a compartment (21) for receiving the container (1). The first wall (26) comprises a slipping device (24) that receives the sliding device (20) equipping the container (1), in a direction parallel to an extension plane (P1) of the first wall (26).