Vehicle Window Cleaning Arrangement Heating Element Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle window cleaning arrangements lack a straightforward method to incorporate heating elements, making it difficult to switch between heated and non-heated modes based on customer demand.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning arrangement with a feed connection that can accommodate a heating element, such as a heating wire, via a connecting chamber and closure cap, allowing for easy installation and removal, and using a single heating element to heat multiple ducts, with hydraulic sealing to prevent liquid escape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate heating elements are provided for multiple feed ducts, then each duct can be heated effectively, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of heating elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate heating elements into a single heating element that can heat multiple feed ducts simultaneously. The heating element is designed with multiple heating zones or extends across multiple ducts, allowing one component to perform the function of several separate heating elements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining heating effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single heating element is designed to serve multiple functions by heating multiple different feed ducts. This multi-functional approach allows one heating element to replace several dedicated heating elements, each serving a single duct, thus simplifying the overall device structure while ensuring all ducts are heated effectively.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a heating element is integrated into the cleaning arrangement, then heating function is added, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to additional assembly steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the cleaning arrangement. This segmentation allows the heating element to be produced using standard manufacturing processes and then simply installed into the designated space within the cleaning arrangement, minimizing additional assembly complexity while adding the heating function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a receiving space or mounting structure that acts as an intermediary between the heating element and the main cleaning arrangement body. This intermediary structure facilitates easy installation and removal of the heating element, allowing the heating function to be added or removed without complex modifications to the main device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the closure cap is permanently fixed to the base body, then sealing is improved, but the ease of operation decreases for maintenance and modification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidaccessibility for maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closure cap is designed with a dynamic mounting system that allows it to be easily attached and detached from the base body. This could involve snap-fit connections, threaded interfaces, or other removable fastening mechanisms that provide sufficient sealing when closed but allow quick removal for maintenance, modification, or heating element replacement, thus balancing sealing effectiveness with operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables a flexible cleaning device that can be heated or non-heated depending on demand, ensuring effective operation in various temperature conditions while maintaining a compact and dirt-resistant design.

Implementation Method 1

a heating element, in particular a heating wire (130), is inserted into or arranged in the region of the connecting duct (121) with the spray opening (51) via the supply connection (31, 32)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3138746B1Cleaning arrangement for the cleaning of vehicle windows, and wiper device
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
  • EP3138746B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3138746B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3138746B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a cleaning arrangement (40) for the cleaning of vehicle windows, wherein the cleaning arrangement (40) has a base body (131) with at least one spray opening (42, 43), wherein the base body (131) is able to be connected to a wiper arm (10), and wherein the base body (131) has a supply connection (51) for a cleaning fluid, which supply connection (51) is hydraulically connected to the spray opening (42, 43) via a connecting duct (121). According to the invention, it is provided that a feed connection (141) branches off from the connecting duct (121), which feed connection (141) opens in a connecting chamber (140) of the base body (131), and that the connecting chamber (140) is able to be closed by means of a closure cap (95).