Vehicle Windscreen Washer Non-Return Valve Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing windscreen washer fluid dispensing devices for motor vehicle wiper blades are bulky due to the use of non-return valves in branch connections, which complicates the hydraulic system and increases size.

Innovation Solution

The integration of non-return valves into cannulas or male connectors within the hydraulic coupling system, allowing for a more compact and simplified hydraulic connection, with heating conductors to maintain valve functionality without additional heating devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a non-return valve is used in a branch connection to prevent liquid descent, then backflow prevention is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackflow preventionVSAvoidhydraulic system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The non-return valve is integrated directly into the hydraulic coupling mechanism itself, merging the backflow prevention function with the connection interface. This eliminates the need for separate valve components in the branch connection, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable backflow prevention through the coupling's internal valve structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic coupling is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the connection interface for hydraulic lines, enables quick detachment for blade replacement, and incorporates the non-return valve for backflow prevention. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed in the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a non-return valve is used in a branch connection, then backflow prevention is achieved, but the overall device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackflow preventionVSAvoiddispensing device size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The non-return valve is merged into the hydraulic coupling structure, eliminating the need for separate valve housings and mounting components. This integration significantly reduces the volume occupied by backflow prevention mechanisms while maintaining the same functional performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The non-return valve is nested within the hydraulic coupling structure, with the valve components housed inside the coupling body. This nested arrangement allows the valve to occupy the same spatial envelope as the coupling itself, rather than adding external volume, thereby reducing the overall dispensing device size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If heating conductors are integrated into the hydraulic pipe, then valve functionality is maintained, but the pipe structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve functionalityVSAvoidpipe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating conductors are integrated directly into the wall structure of the hydraulic pipe, merging the thermal management function with the fluid transport structure. This eliminates the need for separate heating elements and insulation layers, maintaining valve functionality in cold conditions while keeping the pipe structure relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating conductors are positioned specifically at critical locations within the hydraulic pipe, such as near the non-return valve and hydraulic coupling, rather than throughout the entire pipe length. This localized heating approach maintains valve functionality where needed while minimizing the overall complexity and energy consumption of the heating system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration ensures efficient fluid circulation, prevents backflow, and reduces the overall size and complexity of the dispensing device, allowing for quicker and effective windshield washing without intervals that obstruct the driver's vision.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one non-return valve is: inserted into a cannula of an adapter, said cannula being inserted into a circulation channel of the secondary hydraulic pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNon-return valve mechanism: Valve

Implementation Method 2

heating conductors to maintain valve functionality

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2961643B1Washing liquid dispensing apparatus for vehicle windscreen wipers
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
  • EP2961643B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2961643B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2961643B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for dispensing a windshield-cleaning liquid for windshield wiper blades of a motor vehicle, comprising: a hydraulic pipe (7, 8) having at least one liquid flow channel (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b); at least one hydraulic coupling (9, 10, 11, 15) for transporting of liquid to said pipe or discharging the liquid from said pipe, characterized in that the dispensing device also comprises at least one non-return valve (20) received in the flow channel (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b) or in a hydraulic coupling (9, 10, 11, 15).