Windshield Air-Blowing Control for Rain and Vehicle Speed
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield wiper systems interfere with the driver's visual field and require frequent replacement, and with the downsizing of vehicle engines, there is a need for an alternative method to secure the visual field during rain using an air blowing apparatus that can control discharge pressure and angle based on environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling an air blowing apparatus that determines precipitation and vehicle speed to adjust the power and spray angle of discharged air, using a rain sensor and controller to optimize airflow for improved visibility, including setting discharge amounts and angles based on rainfall intensity and vehicle speed states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional wiper system is used to clear rain from the windshield, then the visual field can be secured, but the wiper arms interfere with the driver's visual field and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful wiper arms from the system and replaces them with an air blowing apparatus that uses compressed air to clear rain from the windshield. The air blowing apparatus includes a nozzle that directs compressed air along the windshield surface to remove rainwater without physical contact, eliminating the visual field interference and replacement needs associated with conventional wiper arms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiper arm system with a pneumatic system that uses compressed air. Instead of mechanical scraping motion, the system uses a stream of compressed air directed at the windshield to blow rainwater away, substituting mechanical action with pneumatic action to achieve the same rain-clearing function without the drawbacks of mechanical contact
2Reliability
If the air blowing apparatus discharges compressed air at high pressure to clear heavy rain, then visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the air blowing apparatus where the controller adjusts the discharge pressure and spray angle of compressed air based on real-time rainfall detection. The rain sensor detects precipitation intensity and communicates this information to the controller, which then dynamically adjusts the air blowing apparatus parameters to match the actual rainfall conditions, using higher pressure only when necessary for heavy rain and lower pressure for light rain or no rain
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a rain sensor that provides feedback about precipitation conditions to the controller. The controller uses this feedback information to adjust the air blowing apparatus operation in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes energy consumption by matching the air discharge parameters to the actual rainfall intensity detected by the sensor
3Reliability
If the air blowing apparatus operates continuously to maintain clear visibility, then visual field is secured, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or on-demand operation of the air blowing apparatus based on rainfall detection. Instead of continuous operation, the controller activates the air blowing apparatus only when the rain sensor detects precipitation conditions. The system operates periodically or intermittently according to actual rainfall needs, turning off during clear conditions to conserve energy while maintaining visibility security when rain is present
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 enhances the driver's visual field by dynamically controlling air discharge pressure and angle in response to environmental conditions, providing effective visibility during various precipitation levels and vehicle speeds, reducing the need for frequent replacements and optimizing spatial constraints in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
determining whether there is precipitation through a rain sensor by a controller; measuring the flow speed and the flow angle of water according to an external wind amount
Implementation Method 2
securing a visual field through the windshield glass by discharging compressed air
Implementation Method 3
setting power and a spray angle of the air blowing apparatus by comparing a measured rainfall received from the rain sensor to a stored rainfall by the controller
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling an air blowing apparatus includes: determining whether there is precipitation through a rain sensor by a controller; determining whether the air blowing apparatus is in an automatic mode in a precipitation condition by the controller; determining a vehicle speed when the air blowing apparatus is in the automatic mode in the precipitation condition; and setting power and a spray angle of the air blowing apparatus by comparing a rainfall received from the rain sensor to a stored rainfall by the controller. Setting the power and the spray angle of the air blowing apparatus includes compensating the spray angle and a spray amount by measuring a flow speed and a flow angle of rainwater through the rain sensor by the controller.