Wiper Blade End Cap Valve for Instant Fluid Response
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen wiper systems experience delays in initiating a washing process due to fluid supply line emptying, caused by centrifugal and gravitational forces, resulting in a non-negligible response time before the system can be reactivated.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a valve unit directly before the nozzle elements within the end caps of the wiper blade, which can be spring-loaded or diaphragm-based, ensuring the fluid line remains filled and allowing immediate pressure activation by the pump when a washing process is initiated, with nozzles integrated into the end caps for efficient fluid distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the fluid supply line is arranged on the wiper arm or wiper blade with a nozzle, then the washing function is provided, but the fluid line empties due to centrifugal forces and gravity causing delay in response time
Solution Approach 1:
The valve unit is positioned at the end cap directly before the nozzle elements, ensuring the fluid line remains filled and pressurized in advance. When washing is initiated, the pump immediately pressurizes the already-filled line, opening the valve and eliminating delays caused by fluid line emptying.
2Loss of time
If the valve unit is positioned before the nozzle elements in the end cap, then the response time is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve unit is integrated into the end cap structure, merging the valve function with the existing end cap component. This consolidation adds minimal complexity while achieving the goal of immediate pressure activation and instantaneous response time.
3Productivity
If the nozzle elements are integrated into the end caps, then the fluid distribution is optimized, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle elements are integrated into the end cap as a single injection molded part, combining multiple functions (structural support, fluid distribution, and valve housing) into one component. This approach optimizes fluid distribution while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard injection molding processes.
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
This configuration ensures a practically instantaneous response time for washing, enhancing vehicle safety by eliminating delays in fluid supply and maintaining fluid line integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The valve unit can advantageously consist of a spring-loaded check valve or a diaphragm valve. A valve is always required that closes the line and opens as soon as a certain overpressure is reached, comparable to a bicycle valve.
Implementation Method 2
When a washing process is initiated, the pump quickly creates pressure in the already filled fluid line, which opens the valve and the washing process begins with a practically negligible response time.
Implementation Method 3
When a washing process is initiated, the pump quickly creates pressure in the already filled fluid line, which opens the valve and the washing process begins with a practically negligible response time.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a wiper blade having: a wiper strip; a supporting element which distributes a contact pressure onto the windscreen over the length of the wiper blade (1); an adapter (6) for connection to a wiper arm (3); at least one end cap (2) on one or both ends of the wiper blade (1), said end caps covering at least the supporting element; nozzle elements (14) for applying a cleaning fluid to the screen; and fluid lines (5, 10, 13) to the nozzle elements (14), which can be connected to fluid feed lines (4) of the wiper arm (3) via the adapter (6). According to the invention, a fluid feed line (5) leads from the adapter (6) to the at least one end cap (2), and a valve unit (12) is connected to the fluid feed line (5) upstream of or in the end cap (2), and the nozzle elements (14) are connected downstream of the valve unit (12).