Wiper Fluid Channel Layout With Heating Wire for Freeze Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen wiper systems face challenges in effectively guiding and heating windscreen washing liquid, particularly at low temperatures, due to limitations in fluid distribution and heating wire integration, which can lead to freezing and inefficient thawing.
Innovation Solution
A fluid guiding apparatus with at least two fluid channels and a heating wire guided through portions of these channels, connected by a through-opening sealed with a polymer element, ensures uniform heating and efficient liquid distribution along the wiper arm and blade, preventing freezing and thawing of windscreen washing liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heating wire is integrated into fluid lines to prevent freezing, then reliability in cold temperatures is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional heating components and integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The heating wire is integrated directly into the fluid guiding apparatus by guiding it through portions of the first and second fluid lines and through the through-opening in the arm/wiper blade interface. This merging of the heating function with the existing fluid distribution structure prevents freezing without requiring separate heating components, thereby improving reliability while minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The heating wire serves multiple functions: it heats the windscreen washing liquid to prevent freezing, facilitates thawing of frozen liquid, and can be positioned to heat critical sections of the fluid lines. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address various thermal management needs, improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Productivity
If multiple fluid channels are used to supply washing liquid to the wiper blade, then fluid distribution effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional channels and connections
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution system is segmented into multiple independent fluid channels (first fluid line and second fluid line) that can be supplied from a common source. This segmentation allows simultaneous distribution of washing liquid to multiple locations on the wiper blade, improving fluid distribution effectiveness while maintaining manageable complexity through modular channel design
Solution Approach 2:
The arm/wiper blade interface with its through-opening acts as an intermediary component that connects the two separate fluid channels. This intermediary structure allows the heating wire to pass through and connect both channels while maintaining fluid distribution to multiple outlets, thereby improving productivity without significantly increasing overall device complexity
3Reliability
If a through-opening is added to connect fluid channels for heating wire passage, then heating uniformity is improved, but sealing complexity increases due to the need to close the opening
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component to close the through-opening in the arm/wiper blade interface. This sealing element allows the heating wire to pass through while preventing fluid leakage, thereby maintaining heating uniformity across both fluid channels without creating complex sealing structures. The sealing element serves as a simple mediator that balances thermal effectiveness with fluid containment
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 apparatus achieves reliable and uniform heating of windscreen washing liquid, preventing freezing and facilitating thawing, while providing a space-saving and cost-effective design with fewer components, ensuring effective operation in various temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a heating wire which is guided at least through a portion of the first fluid line and at least through a portion of the second fluid line and which is provided to heat the windscreen washing liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid guiding apparatus for a wiper arm of a windscreen wiper, the fluid guiding apparatus having a vehicle/arm interface in order to receive windscreen washing liquid from a source, an arm/wiper blade interface which has at least two fluid channels which are provided to supply the windscreen washing liquid to a wiper blade, at least a first and a second fluid line in order to guide the windscreen washing liquid from the vehicle/arm interface the arm/wiper blade interface and to provide it to one of the fluid channels in each case, and a heating wire which is guided at least through a portion of the first fluid line and at least through a portion of the second fluid line and which is provided to heat the windscreen washing liquid. The arm/wiper blade interface has a through-opening which connects the two fluid channels to each other. The heating wire is guided through the through-opening and the through-opening is closed with a sealing element.