Winter Precipitation Barrier Coating for Windshield Adhesion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current windshield washer fluids effectively remove vision-obscuring materials but fail to prevent their deposition on windshields, requiring excessive fluid and mechanical effort for removal.

Innovation Solution

A winter precipitation barrier composition comprising a retaining agent and a solvent, optionally with auxiliary components, that prevents deposition and facilitates the removal of winter precipitation by reducing adhesion and enhancing tenacity on the windshield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional windshield washer fluid is used to remove vision obscuring materials, then the materials can be washed away, but substantial amounts of fluid and mechanical action are needed and removal causes undesired delays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of removalVSAvoidremoval time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating the windshield with a coating composition that creates a low-adhesion surface before vision obscuring materials are deposited. This preliminary protective layer prevents strong adhesion, making subsequent removal much easier and faster without requiring substantial mechanical action or time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a coating composition as a mediating layer between the windshield and vision obscuring materials. This intermediary layer reduces the adhesion force between the materials and the windshield surface, allowing for easier and quicker removal with less fluid and mechanical effort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If traditional windshield washer fluid is used to remove vision obscuring materials, then the materials can be washed away, but substantial amounts of windshield washer fluid are needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of removalVSAvoidfluid usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating the windshield with a coating composition that creates a low-adhesion surface before vision obscuring materials are deposited. This preliminary protective layer prevents strong adhesion, making subsequent removal much easier and faster without requiring substantial mechanical action or time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a coating composition as a mediating layer between the windshield and vision obscuring materials. This intermediary layer reduces the adhesion force between the materials and the windshield surface, allowing for easier and quicker removal with less fluid and mechanical effort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If traditional windshield washer fluid is used, then it can assist in removal of vision obscuring materials, but it fails to prevent their deposition on the windshield

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of removalVSAvoiddeposition prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a coating composition that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it prevents the deposition of vision obscuring materials while also facilitating their removal if they do accumulate. This dual-functionality eliminates the need for separate prevention and removal strategies

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating the windshield with a coating composition that creates a low-adhesion surface before vision obscuring materials are deposited. This preliminary protective layer prevents strong adhesion, making subsequent removal much easier and faster without requiring substantial mechanical action or time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 composition significantly reduces the deposition of vision-obscuring materials on windshields and makes their removal easier, reducing delays and fluid usage while maintaining effectiveness in low temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

making it easier to remove any vision obscuring material that has accumulated... reductions in the degree of adhesion of any accumulated winter precipitation to a windshield will facilitate the removal of such winter precipitation from said windshield

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion reduction: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS7749402B2Methods of preventing frost formation and facilitating the removal of winter precipitation relative to a windshield and compositions for use therein
Publication Date: 2010.07.06 PRESTONE PROD CORP

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a winter precipitation barrier composition, comprising: a retaining agent, a solvent, and optionally, an auxiliary component, such as a rheology/viscosity modifier, surfactant, detergent, foaming/defoaming additive, humectant, dye, colorant, fragrance, or a combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the retaining agent comprises a primarily hydrophobic monomer or a hydrophilic monomer.