Vehicle Window Cleaning Head for Edges and Sharp Corners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning apparatuses for vehicle windows are ineffective in cleaning the inner surfaces, particularly the edges and lower edges of windshields and backlights, due to the extreme angles and adjacent components, leading to incomplete cleaning and fluid misapplication.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with a cleaning head featuring a compressive material substrate that projects below the peripheral lip, a concave shape, and a handle with a sliding lock mechanism, allowing for improved contact and flexibility to reach and clean all surfaces, including edges and corners without compression issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a foam substrate with sufficient thickness is used to maintain cleaning element contact, then cleaning coverage is improved, but the foam becomes compressed at edges and corners causing separation from the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different foam thicknesses to different regions of the cleaning head. The central region has a greater thickness (e.g., 1/4 inch) to maintain cleaning element contact, while the peripheral region has a reduced thickness (e.g., 1/8 inch) to prevent compression at edges and corners. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each region's thickness for its specific functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a peripheral lip structure that extends beyond the foam substrate at the edges and corners of the cleaning head. This adds a dimensional element (the lip protrusion) that provides structural support and maintains the cleaning element's contact with the surface at critical peripheral areas where the foam would otherwise be compressed and fail to maintain contact.
2Strength
If a rigid cleaning head structure is used to maintain structural integrity, then durability is improved, but flexibility to reach extreme angles and edges is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning head incorporates a peripheral lip with enhanced structural properties (greater thickness and rigidity) at the edges and corners where strength is needed, while the central portion maintains sufficient flexibility. This local differentiation of structural properties allows the cleaning head to simultaneously achieve durability at critical stress points and flexibility in the main body for reaching difficult areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning head is constructed as a composite structure combining a rigid peripheral lip (providing structural integrity) with a more compliant foam substrate (providing flexibility and conformability). This composite construction allows the cleaning head to maintain its shape and strength while adapting to extreme angles and surfaces.
3Quantity of substance
If cleaning fluid is applied as spray to inner surfaces, then cleaning coverage is improved, but fluid deposition on adjacent horizontal surfaces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid application function from a separate spray mechanism and integrates it directly into the cleaning head structure. The cleaning fluid is applied through channels or reservoirs within the cleaning head itself, allowing precise application only at the cleaning interface with the window surface, thereby eliminating spray mist and fluid deposition on adjacent horizontal surfaces.
4Reliability
If cleaning elements are securely attached to the cleaning head, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but replacement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently removed and replaced. The cleaning element features discrete attachment points (such as clips or fasteners) that allow it to be securely mounted to the cleaning head while enabling simple removal and replacement without affecting the rest of the cleaning head structure. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both secure attachment during use and ease of replacement when needed.
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 apparatus ensures complete cleaning of vehicle window surfaces by maintaining contact at edges and corners, reducing fluid misapplication, and allowing for easy replacement of cleaning elements, enhancing cleaning efficiency and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a compressive material substrate mounted on a bottom surface of the cleaning head within the peripheral lip and projecting below an end of the peripheral lip
Implementation Method 2
The cleaning element includes a body and elastic for removably securing the body over the bottom surface and the peripheral edge of the cleaning head
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus includes different combinations of a reduced compressible material substrate and a thicker paddle head, and a reduced radius tip to clean sharp corners. A slide lock holds one pin end of the handle to the cleaning head. A small sized cleaning head with at least two reduced radius tips is also disclosed.