Vehicle Wiper Washer Control for High-Speed Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wiper/washer systems face issues with uneven distribution of washer fluid on windshields at high speeds, leading to insufficient fluid at the proximal end of the wiper blade due to the effects of relative wind and centrifugal force, resulting in poor cleaning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle wiper/washer control apparatus that adjusts the ejection timing and position of washer fluid based on vehicle speed and wiper blade position, ensuring simultaneous operation of the wiper and washer systems, with additional ejections at an intermediate position to counteract wind-induced fluid displacement, and structured ejecting portions to increase fluid distribution towards the proximal end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the washer fluid is ejected at a close proximity by a washer nozzle in the wiper component, then it is easy to supply the washer fluid to a desired place on the surface to be wiped, but the washer fluid becomes insufficient at the proximal end of the wiper blade when the vehicle runs at high speed due to relative wind and centrifugal force
Solution Approach 1:
The washer system is segmented into multiple ejection points: the traditional washer nozzle in the wiper component and additional ejecting portions arranged at different positions (including intermediate positions between the proximal and distal ends). This segmentation allows different regions of the windshield to receive washer fluid independently, compensating for the displacement caused by relative wind and centrifugal force at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the windshield receive washer fluid with different characteristics. The washer nozzle in the wiper component provides close-proximity ejection for precise placement, while additional ejecting portions provide supplementary fluid at intermediate and proximal regions. This local quality differentiation ensures adequate coverage across the entire windshield surface, particularly at the proximal end where fluid deficiency occurs during high-speed operation.
2Ease of operation
If the wiper blade extends perpendicular to the relative wind, then the washer fluid is ejected to the surface to be wiped in a state in which the wiper blade is parallel to the vehicle width direction, but the relative wind moves the washer fluid along the wiper blade causing uneven distribution
Solution Approach 1:
Additional washer fluid is ejected in advance at intermediate positions between the proximal and distal ends of the wiper blade before the relative wind and centrifugal force can completely displace the fluid to the distal end. This preliminary action ensures that the proximal end region receives sufficient fluid coverage even when the wiper blade is positioned perpendicular to the relative wind during high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Ejecting portions are positioned at intermediate locations between the traditional washer nozzle and the proximal end of the wiper blade. These intermediary ejection points act as mediators, providing supplemental fluid that compensates for the displacement of fluid from the main nozzle, thereby maintaining uniform distribution across the windshield surface despite the effects of relative wind.
3Speed
If the washer fluid is concentrated at the distal end of the wiper blade due to centrifugal force, then the washer fluid on the surface to be wiped moves toward an upper end of the windshield, but the proximal end portion becomes insufficient in washer fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The washer fluid delivery system is segmented into multiple independent ejection sources: the main washer nozzle in the wiper component and additional ejecting portions at intermediate and proximal regions. This segmentation ensures that even when centrifugal force concentrates fluid at the distal end, the intermediate and proximal ejection points continue to supply fluid to their respective regions, preventing deficiency at the proximal end during high-speed wiping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Washer fluid is ejected in advance at intermediate positions before the wiper blade completes its sweep and centrifugal force can completely concentrate the fluid at the distal end. This preliminary ejection at intermediate positions ensures that the proximal end region receives adequate fluid coverage throughout the wiping cycle, even at high speeds where centrifugal effects are significant.
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 solution effectively suppresses uneven washer fluid distribution, ensuring sufficient fluid coverage across the windshield, improving cleaning efficiency and reducing obstructed views during high-speed driving.
Implementation Method 1
an ejecting portion for ejecting a washer fluid to the surface to be wiped
Implementation Method 2
The wiper reciprocates between a first reversing position and a second reversing position
Implementation Method 3
the relative wind moves the washer fluid on the surface to be wiped along the wiper blade
Implementation Method 4
the washer fluid on the surface to be wiped is exposed to a centrifugal force on the basis of the rotation together with the wiper blade
Data Source
AI summary
If a washer switch is turned on in a state in which a wiper determining portion determines that a wiper switch is in an OFF state, and a vehicle speed determining portion determines that a vehicle speed is equal to or more than a predetermined speed, a simultaneous operation control portion ejects the washer fluid in a state in which the wiper is positioned at a lower reversing position. The simultaneous operation control portion causes the wiper to reciprocate at least once simultaneously with the ejection. The simultaneous operation control portion additionally ejects the washer fluid at least once, in a state in which the wiper is positioned at an intermediate position between the lower reversing position and an upper reversing position. Accordingly, it is possible to inhibit a lack of the washer fluid from being generated on the surface to be wiped.