Windshield Touch and Clean System with Articulating Gantry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield washer systems for automobiles are limited in their ability to efficiently clean the entire windshield surface and effectively remove localized dirt and debris, particularly when driven at high speeds or in conditions where bugs leave residues.
Innovation Solution
A windshield touch and clean system featuring a cleaning head with articulating extension members and a motorized gantry system, controlled by a computer and touch screen interface, which allows for precise positioning and vibration-assisted cleaning, along with a spray nozzle and brush for comprehensive and spot cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional wiper blade is used to clean the windshield, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot effectively clean the entire windshield surface or remove localized dirt and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is divided into multiple independent components: a cleaning head with brush, spray nozzle, and vibration unit, connected to the vehicle body through first and second extension members with articulating joints. This segmentation allows the cleaning head to be positioned precisely at different locations on the windshield while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-plane wiper motion to a three-dimensional positioning system using extension members that can extend, retract, and articulate at multiple joints. This enables the cleaning head to reach any location on the windshield surface, including areas previously inaccessible to conventional wipers, thereby improving overall cleaning effectiveness.
2Area of stationary object
If the cleaning head is positioned to reach the entire windshield surface, then complete cleaning coverage is achieved, but the positioning system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The extension members and articulating joints serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, enable positioning in multiple dimensions, allow adjustment to different angles, and facilitate retraction when not in use. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity despite achieving full windshield coverage.
3Measurement precision
If a motorized system with articulating joints is used to position the cleaning head, then precise spot cleaning is enabled, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a control system that receives signals from a touch screen interface and translates user input into precise motor movements. The articulating joints and extension members are controlled through feedback mechanisms that adjust the position of the cleaning head to match the desired location on the windshield, enabling accurate spot cleaning while managing control complexity through automated feedback loops.
4Productivity
If cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the windshield during high-speed driving, then bug residue and dirt are removed more effectively, but the system requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzle is integrated into the cleaning head assembly, combining the fluid delivery function with the mechanical cleaning components (brush and vibration unit). This merging of functions into a single integrated head reduces the number of separate components required compared to a standalone spray system, thereby improving dirt removal efficiency while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
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 cleaning of the entire windshield surface and effective removal of localized dirt and debris, improving visibility and driver safety by providing a flexible and efficient cleaning mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The head may have a vibration unit for vibrating the head while cleaning dirt off of the windshield
Data Source
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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.