Vehicle Wiper Fluid Channels for Glass and Sensor Cleaning
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wiping systems require multiple cleaning systems and complex piping for driver assistance sensors, increasing cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A wiping brush with integrated fluid circulation channels and projection orifices that project cleaning fluid onto both the visibility zone and areas outside, such as sensors on the vehicle pillars, using aligned and differently oriented orifices for efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate cleaning systems are installed for each sensor, then each sensor can be cleaned effectively, but the number of cleaning systems and piping increases, leading to higher cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade is designed to perform multiple functions: cleaning both the glass surface and sensors. The integrated circulation channel system allows a single cleaning system to serve multiple targets (glass and sensors) by distributing cleaning fluid through different projection orifices positioned at strategic locations on the wiper blade.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the glass cleaning function and sensor cleaning function into a single integrated wiper blade assembly. The circulation channel, projection orifices, and wiper blade structure are merged into one unified system that simultaneously addresses both cleaning needs without requiring separate independent systems.
2Reliability
If separate cleaning fluid supply systems are created for each cleaning system, then each system has dedicated fluid supply, but the piping system becomes complex and pressure loss management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fluid supply needs into a single integrated circulation channel system. One circulation channel with strategically positioned projection orifices replaces multiple separate piping systems, simplifying the overall fluid supply architecture while maintaining reliable delivery to both glass and sensor areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation channel is designed with different projection orifices at specific locations to deliver cleaning fluid with appropriate characteristics to different areas. The system provides localized fluid projection tailored to each target (glass vs. sensors) while using a unified supply channel, optimizing fluid distribution without complex branching piping.
3Productivity
If wiper blades move to the end position near the A-pillar, then the visibility zone is cleaned, but sensors positioned on the A-pillar remain out of range and require dedicated cleaning systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the cleaning coverage beyond the traditional glass surface by adding projection orifices that direct cleaning fluid toward the A-pillar area where sensors are located. This dimensional extension of fluid projection capability allows the same wiper blade motion to serve both glass cleaning and sensor cleaning functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper blade assembly is designed to universally clean both the glass surface and sensors positioned on the A-pillar. The integrated circulation channel with multiple projection orifices enables the single wiper system to adapt to and clean multiple different targets (glass and sensors) without requiring separate dedicated systems for each.
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
Reduces the number of cleaning systems needed, simplifies fluid management, and effectively cleans both the visibility zone and external sensors without wasting cleaning fluid.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning fluid circulation channel suitable for connection to a cleaning fluid supply device for the wiper brush, and at least one projection orifice in fluidic communication with the circulation channel
Implementation Method 2
at least one projection orifice in fluidic communication with the circulation channel and configured to project the cleaning fluid into the visibility zone
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a wiper comprising a wiper body (23) extending in a longitudinal extension direction of the wiper and a wiper blade (25) supported by the wiper body (23) and configured to clean a zone of visibility (ZV) of a glazed surface (3) for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle; wherein the wiper body (23) comprises: a circulation channel (35) for circulating cleaning fluid, said channel being connectable to a supply device (17) for supplying cleaning fluid to the wiper (15); at least one spray aperture (37) in fluid communication with the circulation channel (35) and configured to spray the cleaning fluid into the zone of visibility (ZV); an additional circulation channel (35') for circulating cleaning fluid; at least one additional spraying element (39) configured to spray the cleaning fluid into an additional zone distinct from the zone of visibility (ZV) so as to be capable of cleaning an element (1, 5) located outside the visibility zone; and wherein: the at least one additional spraying element (39) is in fluid communication with an additional circulation channel (35'); the wiper body comprises an air-deflecting baffle (24) having a projection (24') extending in a direction, referred to as the vertical direction, along the wiper (11), the vertical direction being perpendicular to the direction of longitudinal extension; and the circulation channel (35) and the additional circulation channel (35') are located at least partially in the projection of the deflector (24).