Wiper Device Fluid Dispensing with Segmented Valve Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiper devices for vehicles lack efficient fluid dispensing mechanisms that allow targeted cleaning in multiple directions, leading to increased reaction time, fluid loss, and weight-related inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A wiper device with a mechanical valve unit near the wiper arm and a further electric valve unit positioned on the vehicle, which control fluid flow to enable targeted dispensing in two directions, reducing reaction time and fluid loss while minimizing weight and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a single valve unit is used in existing wiper devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the fluid dispensing precision and targeted delivery in multiple directions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid dispensing precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid control system is segmented into two distinct valve units: a first valve unit (mechanical check valve) positioned in the fluid channel near the wiper blade connection, and a second valve unit (electromagnetic valve) positioned at a significant distance from the first valve unit. This segmentation allows each valve to handle specific directional control tasks, enabling precise fluid dispensing in multiple directions while maintaining manageable system complexity through functional division.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the valve unit is positioned far from the wiper blade, then the fluid flow control is more stable, but the reaction time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid flow control stabilityVSAvoidreaction time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the spatial conflict by positioning valve units at different locations along the fluid channel's length dimension. The first valve unit is positioned near the wiper blade connection to enable rapid response, while the second valve unit is positioned at a significant distance upstream to provide stable flow control. This dimensional arrangement allows both fast reaction and stable control to coexist in the same system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Speed

If a mechanical valve unit is used, then the response speed is faster, but the control precision in multiple directions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidfluid dispensing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two different valve technologies into a single integrated system: a mechanical check valve (first valve unit) that provides fast response through mechanical action, and an electromagnetic valve (second valve unit) that provides precise directional control through electromagnetic actuation. The combination of these two valve types allows the system to achieve both rapid response and precise multi-directional fluid dispensing control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution allows for efficient, targeted fluid dispensing in multiple directions, reducing reaction time, minimizing fluid loss, and optimizing the wiper arm's design for reduced weight and energy efficiency, enhancing safety and comfort.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one mechanical valve unit (22, 22') is formed by check valves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCheck valve effect: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP3837142B1Wiper device
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3837142B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3837142B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a wiper device (10), comprising a wiper arm (12), which guides at least one fluid channel unit (14), and comprising a wiper frame (16) for dispensing wiper fluid (18) in a specific manner in the wiping direction (20), (20') of the wiper frame (16). According to the invention, the wiper device (10) comprises at least one mechanical valve unit (22), which is arranged in the vicinity of the connection between the wiper arm (12) and the wiper frame (16), and at least one further valve unit (24), which is substantially spaced apart from the at least one mechanical valve unit (22) and arranged fluidically upstream of the at least one valve unit (22).