Wiper Control Apparatus Fluid Conservation via Motor Stopping Signal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper control systems waste washer fluid when the wiper arm stops mid-operation, as the washer pump continues to operate even after the wiper arm has ceased swinging, leading to unnecessary fluid usage.
Innovation Solution
A wiper control apparatus that includes a first controller to drive the wiper motor and a second controller to manage the washer pump, where the first controller outputs a motor stopping signal to the second controller when the wiper arm stops, causing the washer pump to cease operation even if the injection switch for washer fluid is activated, and utilizing dual washer nozzles that jet fluid in opposite directions based on the wiper arm's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the washer pump continues to operate when the wiper arm stops mid-operation, then the injection switch remains activated, but washer fluid is wasted unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the wiper motor controller to the pump controller. When the wiper motor controller detects that the wiper arm has stopped moving (through position sensors or current monitoring), it sends a stop signal to the pump controller, which then deactivates the washer pump. This feedback mechanism ensures the pump operates only when the wiper is actively cleaning, preventing fluid waste while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the washer pump operation based on the real-time state of the wiper arm. Instead of continuous operation, the pump is activated only during active wiper movement and deactivated when the wiper stops, creating a dynamic control system that adapts to operational conditions and optimizes fluid consumption.
2Quantity of substance
If the washer nozzle is disposed on the hood, then washer fluid can be jetted onto the subject surface, but the injection-target location blocks the driver's field of view and requires long distance jetting
Solution Approach 1:
The washer nozzle system is segmented into multiple nozzles positioned at different locations on the wiper arm assembly. This segmentation allows fluid to be jetted at multiple target points along the windshield, distributing the cleaning function across several locations rather than relying on a single distant nozzle, thereby improving coverage while maintaining driver visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer nozzles are positioned on the wiper arm itself, changing the spatial dimension of fluid delivery from a fixed hood location to a moving position that follows the wiper arm's path. This dimensional change allows the nozzles to jet fluid directly onto the subject surface at optimal locations without blocking the driver's view, as the nozzles move with the wiper rather than remaining stationary in the driver's line of sight.
3Reliability
If a relatively large amount of washer fluid is used, then the subject surface can be effectively cleaned, but the washer tank requires frequent refilling
Solution Approach 1:
The washer pump operates in periodic cycles synchronized with the wiper arm's reciprocating motion. Fluid is jetted in pulses during specific phases of the wiper cycle when the blade is in contact with the subject surface, rather than continuous operation. This periodic action reduces overall fluid consumption while maintaining effective cleaning, thereby extending the time between tank refills without compromising cleaning reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying washer fluid continuously or in excessive amounts, the system uses partial action by jetting fluid only during the specific portion of the wiper cycle when the blade is actively cleaning the subject surface. This targeted, partial application of fluid achieves effective cleaning with reduced consumption, decreasing the frequency of tank refilling operations.
Data Source
AI summary
When an ECU 41 for wiper motor detects that a SP operation has been carried out in the midst of swinging motion of a wiper blade, the ECU 41 for wiper motor outputs a motor stopping signal to an ECU 42 for washer pump. When the ECU 42 for washer pump receives the motor stopping signal, the ECU 42 for washer pump stops a washer pump 30 even if an injection switch for jetting out washer fluid is on. In this manner, when a wiper blade is stopped from being swung for replacement of the wiper member, the pump for causing washer fluid to jet out is stopped. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the waste of washer fluid, and to further save washer fluid.