Aircraft Windshield Wash Pressure Control for Consistent Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Windshield wash systems on aircraft often perform inconsistently due to speed and altitude changes, leading to clogging of hydraulic lines over time, which affects pilot visibility and system reliability.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop pressure and flow control system that includes a pressure sensor in the fluid delivery line communicating with an electronic control unit to adjust the pump speed, ensuring consistent fluid delivery at desired pressure and flow rate, regardless of flight conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a typical windshield wash system is used without pressure control, then the system is simple in structure, but the fluid delivery becomes inconsistent due to speed and altitude changes, leading to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system where a pressure sensor continuously monitors fluid pressure in the delivery line and sends signals to an electronic control unit, which adjusts the pump speed accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent fluid delivery pressure despite variations in aircraft speed and altitude, directly resolving the reliability issue while accepting increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational parameters of the pump by adjusting its speed based on real-time pressure feedback. The electronic control unit modulates the pump motor speed to maintain desired fluid pressure, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing flight conditions, thereby ensuring consistent fluid delivery.
2Reliability
If pump speed is not adjusted, then the system is easier to operate, but clogging occurs over time due to inconsistent fluid delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield wash system performs self-regulation through the automated feedback control loop. The pressure sensor and electronic control unit continuously monitor and adjust pump speed without pilot intervention, making the system maintain itself automatically. This eliminates the need for manual adjustments while preventing clogging, effectively resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the pump operates at constant speed, then the device is simpler, but the wiper arm experiences increased friction and wear due to inconsistent fluid delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system continuously monitors fluid pressure and adjusts pump speed to ensure consistent fluid delivery to the wiper arm. This consistent lubrication and cooling reduce friction and thermal stress on the wiper arm, extending its operational life. The system accepts increased complexity in exchange for significantly improved component durability.
4Reliability
If pressure control is implemented, then fluid delivery consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a closed-loop feedback control system comprising a pressure sensor, electronic control unit, and variable speed pump. The pressure sensor monitors fluid pressure and feeds this information to the electronic control unit, which adjusts the pump speed to maintain desired pressure levels. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent windshield wash performance across varying flight conditions while systematically managing the complexity through integrated control architecture.
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
Maintains consistent fluid delivery to the windshield, preventing clogging and extending the operational life of the wiper arm by reducing friction and wear, while adapting to changes in altitude and speed.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure sensor is in the fluid delivery line and is in communication with the electronic control unit
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A windshield wash system includes a pump (12) with an inlet (12a) and an outlet (12b), and a fluid reservoir (11) fluidically connected to the inlet of the pump. A fluid delivery line (14) is fluidically connected to the outlet of the pump and at least one nozzle (18) is fluidically connected to the fluid delivery line. An electronic control unit (18) is in controlling communication with the pump. A pressure sensor (20) is in the fluid delivery line and is in communication with the electronic control unit.