Windscreen Washer System Integrating Rainwater Collection in Wiper Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windscreen washer systems in vehicles require frequent refilling due to limited fluid capacity and often use dirty rainwater, leading to ineffective cleaning and potential safety hazards when the fluid runs out.
Innovation Solution
A windscreen washer system that integrates a rainwater collection element within the wiper blades, connected to a suction pump and filter, which collects clean rainwater and automatically mixes it with detergent, using sensors to maintain fluid quality and prevent overfilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If rainwater is collected from the environment, then the frequency of user intervention is reduced, but the water quality becomes dirty and murky
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade acts as an intermediary element between the rainwater source and the collection system. By integrating the collection element into the wiper blade, the system uses the wiper's motion and position to selectively collect rainwater from the cleaned glass surface, filtering out dirty water that contacts the road surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The rainwater collection element is positioned to collect water from specific locations - specifically from the glass surface after the wiper has cleaned it. This local collection strategy ensures that only clean water from the upper portion of the glass is collected, while dirty water from lower areas is excluded.
2Volume of moving object
If the washer fluid tank capacity is reduced for engine compartment installation, then the vehicle design is optimized, but the fluid runs out quickly requiring frequent refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables autonomous refilling by integrating a rainwater collection element into the wiper blade assembly. The collection element captures rainwater during normal wiper operation and automatically transfers it to the washer fluid tank, eliminating the need for manual refilling and compensating for the limited tank capacity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If rainwater is used to dilute detergent, then the effective cleaning time is extended, but the cleaning effectiveness is reduced if the water is not clean
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade serves as a mediating structure that filters and selects rainwater quality. By positioning the collection element within the wiper blade assembly, the system ensures that only rainwater that has contacted the cleaned glass surface is collected, maintaining water quality suitable for diluting detergent while extending the duration of effective cleaning.
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 autonomously maintains a clean and effective windscreen washer fluid supply, reducing user intervention and ensuring safe driving conditions by utilizing clean rainwater and maintaining optimal detergent concentration.
Implementation Method 1
at least one rainwater collection element (11) integrated into at least one wiper blade (12), said rainwater collection element (11) comprising at least one perforated tube inserted into the at least one wiper blade (12), which is hydraulically connected to a suction pump (13) for collecting liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A windscreen washer system for vehicles, in particular for motor vehicles, including at least one rainwater collection element connected to at least one suction pump for collecting rainwater and conveying the same to a collection tank connected in turn to a pump for delivering windscreen washer fluid where the rainwater collection element is integrated in at least one wiper blade.