Wiper-Mounted Washer Control Using Round-Trip Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle wiper apparatuses face challenges in simplifying their structure without adversely affecting noise performance, as they require large drive currents for switching pumps, which can lead to radio noise interference with other electronic systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle wiper apparatus with a control apparatus that detects the round-trip time of the wiper member and controls the washer pump accordingly, eliminating the need for a mechanical switching valve and reducing the drive current required for detection, thereby minimizing radio noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a mechanical switching valve is used to control the washer pump, then the wiper system structure becomes more complex, but the drive current required for switching is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switching valve with an electronic control system. The control apparatus uses a detecting unit to monitor wiper member position and a control unit to operate the washer pump based on detected round-trip time, eliminating the need for mechanical switching components and reducing radio noise interference from large drive currents.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus acts as an intermediary between the wiper motor and washer pump. It detects the round-trip time of the wiper member and controls the washer pump operation accordingly, enabling precise timing control without requiring direct mechanical switching or large drive currents.
2Reliability
If the washer pump is operated continuously, then cleaning fluid is always available at the nozzle, but cleaning fluid may pool or drip on the windshield
Solution Approach 1:
The washer pump is operated periodically rather than continuously. The control unit operates the washer pump for a predetermined time period based on the detected round-trip time of the wiper member, ensuring cleaning fluid is available when needed while preventing excessive fluid application that would cause pooling or dripping.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus uses feedback from the detecting unit to control washer pump operation. By monitoring the round-trip time of the wiper member, the system adjusts pump operation timing to match wiper cycle timing, ensuring optimal fluid delivery without over-spraying.
3Productivity
If the washer pump is operated for longer duration, then more cleaning fluid is sprayed, but cleaning fluid is wasted and may cause pooling
Solution Approach 1:
The washer pump operates in periodic cycles synchronized with the wiper member's round-trip time. The control unit operates the pump for a predetermined time period that matches the wiper cycle, ensuring efficient fluid delivery during active wiping while preventing fluid waste during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating parameters of the washer pump based on the detected round-trip time of the wiper member. By changing the pump operation duration and timing parameters to match actual wiper cycle requirements, the system optimizes fluid delivery efficiency and prevents waste.
Data Source
AI summary
In a vehicle wiper apparatus, rotation of an output shaft of a wiper motor is converted to reciprocal rotation of a pivot shaft, and a wiper member, attached to the pivot shaft, reciprocally rotates between closed and open positions. A nozzle, provided in the wiper member, sprays a cleaning fluid towards a front side in an advancing direction of the wiper member on at least one of forward and return paths of the reciprocal rotation. A washer pump supplies the cleaning fluid to the nozzle. A round-trip time of the wiper member is detected based on a detection result of a detecting unit that detects at least a state in which the wiper member is positioned in the closed position. The washer pump is controlled based on a detected round-trip time, and is operated during rotation of the wiper member on at least one of the forward and return paths.