Windshield Cleaning Head With Articulating Extension Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield washers for automobiles are limited in their ability to effectively clean the entire windshield surface and often require manual operation, lacking precision and efficiency in spot cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A windshield touch and clean system featuring a cleaning head with articulating extension members and a gantry system, controlled by a computer and motor, which allows for precise movement and vibration to reach all areas of the windshield, including spot cleaning, using a touch screen for user input and a spray nozzle for fluid application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional windshield washer with a rotating wiper blade is used, then the device is simple in structure and easy to operate, but it cannot effectively clean the entire windshield surface or perform precise spot cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning head is divided into multiple independent cleaning elements (brushes, squeegees, spray nozzles) that can be selectively activated. The system segments the windshield into zones that can be cleaned independently, allowing versatile cleaning coverage while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from the traditional single-plane wiper motion to a multi-dimensional approach using extension members with articulating joints that enable movement in multiple axes (horizontal, vertical, and angular). This dimensional expansion allows the cleaning head to reach all areas of the windshield including curved surfaces, significantly improving cleaning coverage.
2Measurement precision
If manual operation of windshield wipers is used, then the system is simple to control, but it lacks precision and efficiency in spot cleaning specific areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the presence and location of contaminants on the windshield, providing feedback to the control system. This enables automatic adjustment of the cleaning head position and activation of appropriate cleaning elements, achieving high precision spot cleaning while reducing manual operational complexity through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is designed to autonomously navigate to contaminated areas and perform cleaning without continuous manual intervention. The extension members self-adjust their position using articulating joints and motors, and the system automatically sequences the operation of spray nozzles, brushes, and squeegees, making the system self-sufficient while maintaining ease of initial activation.
3Area of stationary object
If a cleaning system with extension members and articulating joints is used, then the cleaning head can reach the entire windshield surface, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension members with articulating joints serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the cleaning head, enable positioning across the entire windshield surface, allow adjustment to different windshield geometries, and facilitate retraction to a compact storage position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, managing device complexity while achieving comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically adjustable extension members that can change their configuration based on the cleaning task. The articulating joints allow real-time adjustment of the cleaning head position and angle, enabling the system to adapt to different windshield shapes and sizes. This dynamic capability provides full coverage without requiring a permanently extended complex structure.
4Productivity
If automatic control with computer and motor is implemented, then cleaning efficiency and precision are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical operation with automated motor-driven control of the extension members and cleaning head. The computer control system coordinates the movement and operation of multiple components (motors, spray nozzles, brushes, squeegees) through electronic signaling, significantly improving cleaning efficiency and precision while reducing the need for complex mechanical linkages and manual control mechanisms.
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 thorough and efficient cleaning of the entire windshield or localized areas, improving visibility by effectively removing dirt and residue, with the ability to operate automatically and reduce manual effort.
Implementation Method 1
The head of the windshield touch and clean system may have a vibration unit for vibrating the head while cleaning dirt off of the windshield
Implementation Method 2
The head or the first extension member of the windshield touch and clean system may have a spray nozzle for spraying cleaning fluid on the windshield
Data Source
AI summary
A windshield touch and clean system that can clean either the entire windshield of an automobile or spot clean a localized area of the windshield is disclosed. The windshield touch and clean system may control a cleaning head in a number of ways including but not limited to two articulating extension members or a gantry system. The cleaning head may be retrofitted with a spray nozzle for spraying cleaning fluid and also a vibration unit to assist in cleaning of residue on the windshield.