Wiper Device Spray Nozzle Positioning and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper devices for motor vehicles have a complex design and large installation space due to separate spray nozzles on the wiper arm, which impairs the driver's view and increases fluid consumption, while also not optimizing cleaning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The wiper device features spray nozzles positioned externally to the wiper blades and arm, with a reversible wiper motor and control device that actuates nozzles based on blade position and movement direction, optimizing fluid use and cleaning efficiency by spraying only in the wiper blade's path and adjusting according to speed and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spray nozzles are arranged on the wiper arm physically separate from the wiper blade, then cleaning fluid can be applied to the windscreen, but the wiper arm becomes more complicated and requires larger installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzles are extracted from the wiper arm structure and positioned separately in the vehicle body. This separation removes the complexity from the wiper arm design while maintaining the cleaning function, as the nozzles are now independent components that can be controlled separately from the wiper blade movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper system is segmented into independent functional modules: the wiper blade for wiping, and separate spray nozzles for fluid application. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective cleaning performance.
2Reliability
If spray nozzles are arranged on the wiper arm, then cleaning fluid can be applied, but the wiper arm width increases leading to larger impairment of driver's view
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzles are extracted from the wiper arm and repositioned in the vehicle body structure. This extraction eliminates the need for a widened wiper arm, thereby preserving the driver's view while maintaining the ability to apply cleaning fluid to the windscreen.
3Reliability
If multiple spray nozzles are arranged on the wiper arm, then cleaning coverage is improved, but fluid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device receives feedback from the control unit about wiper blade position and activation status, enabling precise control of spray nozzle operation. This feedback mechanism allows the system to apply cleaning fluid only when and where needed, improving coverage while minimizing unnecessary fluid consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray nozzles are activated periodically in coordination with wiper blade cycles rather than continuously. The control device manages intermittent operation based on detected conditions, providing effective cleaning coverage while significantly reducing overall fluid consumption compared to continuous spraying.
4Productivity
If spray nozzles are positioned in front of the wiper blade, then cleaning fluid is applied timely, but the wiper arm structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzles are extracted from the wiper arm structure and positioned in the vehicle body to achieve optimal placement in front of the wiper blade path. This extraction maintains the timing advantage for fluid application while eliminating the structural complexity that would result from integrating nozzles into the moving wiper arm.
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
This configuration achieves a compact design with reduced fluid consumption and improved cleaning efficiency, minimizing view obstruction by ensuring fluid is collected by the wiper blade and optimizing spray patterns for uniform coverage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spray nozzle (17-20), which is arranged immovably outside an area of coverage (22) of the wiper blade (11, 12) on the vehicle windscreen (1)
Implementation Method 2
two wiper blades (11, 12), which are moved one behind the other in the same direction over a vehicle windscreen (1)
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
Figure 9~11
AI summary
The invention relates to a wiper device (10; 10a to 10h) for motor vehicles (100), having at least one wiper blade (11, 12) capable of being driven by a wiper motor (5), at least one spray nozzle (17 to 20, 31 to 38; 41 to 46; 51 to 54; 55; 55a; 56; 56a) for the application of a cleaning fluid to a vehicle windscreen (1), whereby the at least one spray nozzle (17 to 20, 31 to 38; 41 to 46; 51 to 54; 55; 55a; 56; 56a) is arranged physically separate from the at least one wiper blade (11, 12), and having a control device (15) for actuating the discharge of the cleaning fluid by means of the at least one spray nozzle (17 to 20, 31 to 38; 41 to 46; 51 to 54; 55; 55a; 56; 56a) depending on the angular position of the at least one wiper blade (11, 12) in conjunction with a wiping movement of the wiper blade (11, 12), such that the cleaning fluid, when observed in the direction of wiping of the wiper blade (11, 12), is capable of being applied to the vehicle windscreen (1) at least in front of the wiper blade (11, 12).