Magnetic Windshield Cleaner for Interior LSF Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing light scattering film (LSF) from vehicle windshields are cumbersome, ineffective, and often distract drivers, leading to safety concerns due to their awkward design and propensity for streaking, while also being costly and not easily reusable.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic cleaning system using a series of rare earth element permanent magnets arranged in a linear array, attached to a wiper assembly on one side of the windshield and a cleaning cloth or material on the other, which can be easily moved across the windshield to remove LSF with minimal streaking and without requiring manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning methods (hands, cloths, angled tools) are used to remove LSF, then cleaning can be performed, but driver distraction increases and safety decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic cleaning system allows the cleaning element to be automatically drawn across the windshield by magnetic attraction without requiring the driver to manually manipulate cleaning tools. The system serves itself by using the vehicle's existing magnetic fields (from magnets placed on the windshield or in the cleaning element itself) to drive the cleaning action, eliminating the need for driver intervention and associated distraction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical cleaning actions with a magnetic field-driven system. Instead of requiring the driver to physically move cloths or tools across the windshield, magnetic forces automatically draw the cleaning element across the glass surface, substituting human mechanical action with electromagnetic force
2Productivity
If conventional cleaning tools are used, then LSF removal can be attempted, but streaking occurs and cleaning effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic cleaning element is designed to dynamically adapt to the windshield surface as it is drawn across by magnetic attraction. The flexible or conformable nature of the cleaning element allows it to maintain optimal contact with the glass surface throughout the cleaning stroke, ensuring uniform pressure distribution and consistent LSF removal without streaking
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the power source (magnets) and the cleaning action. This magnetic intermediary provides smooth, controlled force transmission that draws the cleaning element across the windshield at a consistent rate, preventing the erratic motion that causes streaking while maintaining continuous contact for effective LSF removal
3Adaptability or versatility
If reusable magnetic cleaning systems are implemented, then cleaning frequency can increase and maintenance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic cleaning system is designed to be universally applicable to various windshield types and vehicle models. By using permanent magnets that can be placed on the windshield or integrated into a reusable cleaning element, the system performs multiple functions (cleaning, conforming to surface, self-propulsion) without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms, making it adaptable and easy to implement across different applications
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 effectively removes LSF with a single pass or multiple passes, reducing driver distraction and improving safety by providing a lightweight, reusable, and cost-effective solution that minimizes streaking and facilitates regular cleaning of windshields.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetically associated cleaning element that is moved across the interior surface of a windshield by an interactive magnetic force transmitted through the windshield, with magnets associated with the wiper assembly on the other side of the glass
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a system and method for cleaning the light scattering film (LSF) from the surface of a windshield in a vehicle, and more particularly, is directed to a magnetically associated cleaning element that is moved across the interior surface of a windshield by an interactive magnetic force transmitted through the windshield, with magnets associated with the wiper assembly on the other side of the glass.