Two-Stage Washer Valve With Bleed Passage for Low-Force Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle washing systems lack efficient control over high-pressure washer fluid distribution to effectively clean windshields and sensors/cameras, requiring significant force to switch between nozzles and potentially leading to inadequate cleaning due to pressure imbalances.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure washing system with a valve mechanism that includes a fluid-flow regulator and valve operator, allowing pressure to rise in unopened passageways before full opening, reducing the force needed to switch between nozzles and ensuring efficient fluid distribution to both primary and secondary nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional valve is used to control high-pressure washer fluid flow, then the valve can switch between nozzles, but significant force is required to switch between nozzles due to pressure imbalances
Solution Approach 1:
The bleed passageway allows a portion of the high-pressure washer fluid to be bled off before the valve fully opens to the secondary nozzle. This preliminary action reduces the pressure differential that must be overcome during switching, enabling easier operation without sacrificing overall pressure control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The bleed passageway acts as an intermediary mechanism between the high-pressure fluid source and the valve. By providing a controlled pressure relief path, it mediates the pressure imbalance issue, allowing the valve to switch smoothly between nozzles while maintaining proper pressure in the washing system
2Reliability
If pressure is maintained high in all passageways, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the force required to switch valves increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid flow path is segmented into multiple passageways (primary washer passageway, secondary washer passageway, and bleed passageway). This segmentation allows different pressure zones to be created and maintained independently, enabling effective cleaning at the nozzles while reducing switching force through the bleed path
3Ease of operation
If a larger actuator is used to provide sufficient force to switch nozzles, then switching capability is improved, but the size and weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing preliminary pressure reduction through the bleed passageway, the system reduces the force requirement before the valve switching action occurs. This allows a smaller, lighter actuator to perform the switching function effectively, reducing overall system weight and size
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 system reduces the size and weight of actuator components, enables quick and efficient cleaning of sensors and cameras by balancing pressure between nozzles, and ensures effective fluid delivery to maintain clear visibility.
Implementation Method 1
The valve operator is configured to raise the pressure in the second washer passageway as the fluid-flow regulator is moved from the closed position to the opened position, or alternatively, raise the pressure in the primary washer passageway as the fluid-flow regulator is moved from the opened position to the closed position. The valve operator may raise the pressure by bleeding a portion of the flow of washer fluid through a bleed passageway in the fluid-flow regulator.
Data Source
AI summary
A high-pressure washing system including a washer fluid tank, a high-pressure fluid pump, and a valve. The washer fluid tank is configured to store a washer fluid. The high-pressure fluid pump is coupled in fluid communication with the washer fluid tank to provide a flow of washer fluid. The valve is coupled in fluid communication with the high-pressure fluid pump to receive the flow of washer fluid.