Wiper Fluid Container Movable Connector Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current windscreen washer fluid reservoir filling methods lead to fluid losses and the risk of introducing unsuitable products, causing inefficiency and potential damage to the washing system.
Innovation Solution
A windscreen washer fluid container with a dispensing opening equipped with movable connection means that require cooperation with a member, such as a pump or reservoir, to allow fluid communication, featuring a plug with orifices or slots that rotate to open and close, and foolproofing elements to prevent incorrect product use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a funnel is used to refill the reservoir, then the refilling process is simple, but fluid losses occur and unsuitable products may be introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means is divided into a first connection means on the container and a second connection means on the component, requiring precise engagement between corresponding elements. This segmentation prevents random refilling and ensures only compatible products are connected, eliminating fluid losses while maintaining ease of operation through designed simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the container opening and the component opening. It controls fluid communication by moving between closed and open positions based on proper connection, preventing unauthorized or incorrect refilling while maintaining a simple user interface.
2Ease of operation
If the container opening is always open for refilling, then refilling is easy, but fluid leaks occur during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The connection means employs a movable element that dynamically transitions between closed and open positions. During transport or storage, the element remains in the closed position preventing leaks. During authorized refilling, the element moves to the open position enabling fluid communication, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and leak prevention.
3Ease of operation
If anyone can refill the reservoir, then accessibility is high, but unsuitable products may damage the washer system
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second connection means are designed with asymmetric, complementary geometries including specific protruding elements and corresponding recesses. This asymmetry creates a key-lock mechanism where only the correct container can be connected to the component, preventing incorrect product insertion while maintaining ease of operation for authorized users.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection means incorporates specific geometric parameters and dimensional tolerances that must match between corresponding elements. This parameter-based compatibility system ensures only suitable products can be connected, protecting the washer system from damage while allowing easy refilling by authorized users with the correct product.
4Loss of substance
If a movable element is added to control opening, then fluid losses are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable element is integrated into the connection means structure, merging the fluid control function with the connection function. The same components that enable connection between container and component also control the opening and closing of fluid communication, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while preventing fluid losses.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wiper fluid container including a fluid dispensing opening and an opening of a connecting member. The fluid dispensing opening is equipped with a connector that works with another connector in order to ensure fluid communication between those openings, where one connector can move from a first closed position of the container to a second open position thereby freeing that opening.