Windscreen Air Distribution Housing for Tractor Cab Demisting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air distribution systems for vehicle cabs, particularly agricultural tractors, fail to effectively direct air to the middle portion of the windscreen, especially when the wiper motor interferes with the air stream, hindering demisting and defrosting and obstructing the driver's view.
Innovation Solution
An air distribution system with a housing that surrounds the wiper motor and defines a passage for air supply to the windscreen, ensuring air reaches the middle portion while concealing the motor, and includes additional outlets for cab ventilation, suitable for pivotable windscreens and one-piece designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vents are provided to distribute air onto the windscreen, then air distribution capability is improved, but the wiper motor interrupts the air stream and prevents effective air supply to the middle portion
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution system is segmented into multiple independent outlets: side vents for lateral air distribution and a central outlet positioned above the wiper motor for direct middle windscreen coverage. This segmentation allows air to reach the middle portion without being blocked by the motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The air outlet is repositioned from a horizontal arrangement (blocked by motor) to a vertical arrangement above the motor. By changing the spatial dimension of air delivery, the system bypasses the motor obstruction and directs air onto the middle windscreen area.
2Power
If the wiper motor is mounted on the inside of the windscreen, then the wiper can be powered effectively, but the motor obstructs the air stream to the middle windscreen area
Solution Approach 1:
An air guiding passage or duct is introduced as an intermediary element between the air source and the windscreen. This passage routes air around or above the wiper motor, allowing the motor to remain in its functional position while the air stream is redirected to the middle windscreen area.
Solution Approach 2:
The air delivery path is moved to a different spatial dimension (vertical space above the motor) rather than attempting to push air horizontally through the motor location. This dimensional shift eliminates the obstruction problem while maintaining motor functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If air outlets are provided for cab ventilation, then ventilation capability is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution housing is designed to perform multiple functions: it contains the wiper motor, provides air outlets for windscreen demisting/defrosting, and includes additional outlets for general cab ventilation. This multi-functionality increases versatility without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The air distribution system merges several functions into a single integrated housing structure that accommodates the motor, provides targeted windscreen air delivery, and offers general cab ventilation outlets. This consolidation achieves versatility while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 solution provides efficient air distribution to the critical middle area of the windscreen, enhancing visibility by effectively demisting and defrosting, while keeping the wiper motor hidden and allowing for adjustable ventilation.
Implementation Method 1
the housing defining a passage for the supply of air onto the inside of the windscreen in the vicinity of the motor
Data Source
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AI summary
Vehicle cab windscreen air distribution system for a windscreen (1) provided with an external windscreen wiper (5) and a windscreen wiper motor (2a) mounted on the inside of the windscreen. The distribution system comprises an air distribution housing (3) which at least partially surrounds the wiper motor (2, 2a), the housing defining a passage (3a) for the supply of air onto the windscreen (la) in the vicinity of the motor. The passage (3a) for the supply of air is defined between a motor housing (2) and part of the air distribution housing (3),