Vehicle Windshield Cleaning System Temperature Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield cleaning systems do not effectively maintain a consistent temperature for the cleaning fluid, leading to reduced effectiveness in deicing and cleaning, and can result in mineral deposits due to overheating.
Innovation Solution
A windshield cleaning system with a control circuit and heating element that maintains the washer fluid at a target temperature between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit, using a programmable controller and temperature sensor to regulate heating, and includes a check valve to prevent fluid re-entry and a thermal fuse for safety, ensuring efficient heating and preventing nozzle clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the cleaning fluid is heated to improve deicing and cleaning effectiveness, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but mineral deposits may form due to overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a temperature sensor to continuously monitor the cleaning fluid temperature and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller adjusts the heating element operation accordingly, maintaining the temperature within the optimal range of 120-150°F, thereby preventing overheating that would cause mineral deposits while ensuring effective deicing and cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies maintaining the cleaning fluid temperature within a particular range (120-150°F) rather than simply heating it indefinitely. This parameter control prevents the formation of mineral deposits by avoiding temperatures that would cause precipitation, while still providing sufficient heat for effective deicing and cleaning performance.
2Temperature
If the heating element operates continuously to maintain consistent temperature, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor continuously monitors the cleaning fluid temperature and provides feedback to the controller. The controller activates the heating element only when the temperature drops below the target range (120-150°F), rather than operating continuously. This feedback-based control maintains consistent cleaning effectiveness while significantly reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous operation, the heating element operates periodically based on temperature conditions. The controller cycles the heating element on and off to maintain the temperature within the optimal range, providing consistent cleaning performance while minimizing energy usage by heating only when necessary.
3Measurement precision
If the system uses a programmable controller and temperature sensor for precise temperature regulation, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a temperature sensor to continuously monitor the cleaning fluid temperature and feeds this information back to the programmable controller. The controller compares the measured temperature with the target range (120-150°F) and adjusts the heating element accordingly. This feedback mechanism provides precise temperature control while using a relatively simple control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-regulating through the temperature sensor and controller combination. Once installed, the system automatically maintains the optimal temperature range without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems. The programmable controller handles all temperature regulation decisions based on sensor input, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
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 provides consistent heated cleaning fluid, improving deicing and cleaning efficiency while preventing mineral deposits, ensuring effective operation and longevity of the system components.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element that heats up fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet; and a control circuit for energizing the heating element with a voltage to heat the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a thermal fuse for safety, ensuring efficient heating and preventing nozzle clogging
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Apparatus and method for providing a heated cleaning fluid to a vehicle surface. The apparatus has an inlet port for receiving an amount of fluid; an outlet port for dispensing an amount of heated fluid two glow plug heating elements and a control for activating or energizing the glow plugs to heat fluid within a reservoir.