Wiper Assembly Fluid Control via Blade Position

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle windshield washing systems deliver washing fluid at undesirable angles, causing smearing and impairing driver vision, as they fail to effectively and efficiently clean the windshield without substantial modifications.

Innovation Solution

A wiper assembly with a pivotally mounted wiper blade and an elongated washer liquid feed conduit connected to the vehicle's fluid reservoir, regulating fluid flow based on the wiper blade's position to ensure uniform spraying directly onto the windshield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If washing fluid is delivered to the windshield by hood-mounted washer heads, then the windshield can be washed, but the cleaning fluid is spread in a solid fan dispersement which temporarily impairs the driver's vision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindshield cleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddriver vision impairment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The washing fluid is delivered to the windshield in advance of the wiper blade's path, allowing the fluid to be applied uniformly before the wiper reaches that location. This preliminary action prevents the fluid from being smeared across the driver's field of view and eliminates the need for the wiper to re-sweep the same area multiple times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of delivering washing fluid above or below the wiper blade as in conventional systems, this invention delivers the fluid directly onto the windshield surface at the precise location where the wiper will contact it. This inverted approach to fluid delivery location eliminates the harmful fan-shaped dispersion pattern.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Quantity of substance

If washing fluid is delivered above or below the wiper blade, then the fluid can be applied to the windshield, but the upward path of the wiper blade smears the residue on the glass

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing fluid applicationVSAvoidcleaning quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The washing fluid is applied to the windshield surface in advance of the wiper blade's contact point. This timing ensures that the fluid is already in place and properly positioned before the wiper blade arrives, allowing for immediate and effective cleaning without subsequent smearing of residue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If conventional hood-mounted washer heads are used, then the system structure is simple, but the cleaning fluid is dispersed in a solid fan pattern causing multiple washing cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewasher system structureVSAvoidwindshield cleaning efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The washing fluid is delivered to specific localized areas of the windshield precisely where the wiper blade will contact the glass. This localized delivery approach, as opposed to broad fan-shaped dispersion, ensures that each area of the windshield receives the exact amount of fluid needed, eliminating waste and reducing the number of washing cycles required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 and effective windshield cleaning without smearing, improving driver visibility by uniformly spraying washer liquid in advance of the wiper blade's motion, reducing the need for frequent fluid application and avoiding glare.

Implementation Method 1

the position of the wiper blade of the wiper assembly controls the flow of washing liquid to the glass surface of the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow regulation:

Implementation Method 2

uniformly spraying washer liquid in advance of the wiper blade's motion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentUS9463779B2Wiper assembly for sweeping a glass surface on a vehicle

Publication Date: 2016.10.11 GROSS KENNETH A

AI summary

A wiper assembly for sweeping a glass surface on a vehicle. The wiper assembly includes a windshield washer assembly connected to the windshield wiper drive arm of the vehicle for controllably dispensing washer fluid onto the glass surface of the vehicle. The wiper assembly includes a pivotally mounted wiper blade and a washer liquid feed conduit carried by the body of the wiper blade that is connected to the fluid reservoir of the vehicle for supplying a washing liquid directly upon the glass surface of the vehicle via the wiper assembly. Uniquely, the flow of fluid onto the glass surface of the vehicle is determined by the position of the wiper blade relative to the glass surface. Advantageously, the washer liquid feed conduit and blade assembly can be interconnected with the supporting structure of the windshield wiper assembly without the need for special tools and without the need for any substantial modification to the conventional wiper assembly.