A windshield washer system for an
automotive vehicle includes a fluid reservoir, a pump mounted within the fluid
reservoir and a heater mounted in proximity to the pump so as to provide heat
to fluid contained within the reservoir. The system further includes a nozzle
operatively associated with the pump for applying fluid from the reservoir to
an outside surface of an automotive vehicle. The heater may comprise an
electric resistance element, such as a positive temperature coefficient element
mounted about a pumping chamber of the pump. In any event, the heater provides
sufficient heat to the fluid contained within the reservoir to prevent water in
the fluid from freezing at ambient temperatures normally encountered by
automobiles.
According to another aspect of the
present invention, a nozzle incorporated in the present system may be of the
telescoping variety such that it has a first position for spraying and a
second, or retracted, position when it is not spraying. In this fashion, a
neat, uncluttered appearance may be achieved, while protecting the nozzle from
damage. In any event, the nozzle is close-coupled to the pump, so as to
minimize the fluid volume between the pump and nozzle. This promotes drain back
of fluid from the nozzle to the pump, while allowing heat to flow from the pump
to the nozzle, thereby further inhibiting freezing of water within the nozzle.
WINDSHIELD WASER FLUID
Windshield washer fluid is sold in many
formulations, and some may require dilution before being applied, although most
solutions available in North America come premixed with no diluting required.
The most common washer fluid solutions are given labels such as
"All-Season", "Bug Remover", or "De-icer", and
usually are a combination of solvents with a detergent. Dilution factors will
vary depending on season, for example in winter the dilution factor may be 1:1,
whereas during summer the dilution factor may be 1:10. It is sometimes sold as
sachet of crystals, which is also diluted with water. Distilled water is the
preferred diluent, since it will not leave trace mineral deposits on the glass.
Anti-freeze, or methylated spirits, may be added to a mixture to give the
product a lower freezing temperature. But methanol vapor is harmful when
breathed in, so more popular now is an ethanol winter mix, e.g. PAV, water,
ethanol (or isopropanol), and ethylene glycol.
Concerns have been raised about the
overall environmental aspects of washer fluid. Widespread, ground-level use of
wiper fluid (amounting to billions of liters each year) can lead to cumulative
air pollution and water pollution. Consumer advocacy groups and auto
enthusiasts believe that the alcohols and solvents present in some, but not
all, windshield washer fluid can damage the vehicle. These critics point to the
corrosive effects of ethanol, methanol, and other components on paint, rubber,
car wax, and plastics, and groups propose various alternatives and homemade
recipes so as to protect the finish and mechanics of the motor vehicle.
WINDSHIELD WASHER NOZZLE(S)
This model is equipped with two hood
mounted washer nozzles. Each nozzle emits two streams into the wiper pattern.
If the nozzle performance is unsatisfactory they can be adjusted. To adjust
insert a pin into the nozzle ball and move to proper pattern. The right and
left nozzles are identical. It is an advantage of the present system that
separated fluid lines and nozzles are eliminated, with the entire system being
contained in a single assembly, so as to allow the protection of the fluid and
the entire system from freezing with a single heat source.
WINDSHIELD WASHER SYSTEM
All models are equipped with electrically operated windshield washer pumps. The wash function can be accessed in the OFF position of the wiper control switch. Holding the wash button depressed when the switch is in the OFF position will operate the wipers and washer motor pump continuously until the washer button is released. Releasing the button will stop the washer pump but the wipers will complete the current wipe cycle. Followed by an average of two more wipe cycles before the wipers park and the module turns off.
The electric pump assembly is mounted directly to the reservoir. A permanently lubricated motor is coupled to a rotor type pump. Fluid, gravity fed from the reservoir, is forced by the pump through rubber hoses to the hood mounted nozzles which direct the fluid streams to the windshield. The pump and reservoir are serviced as separate assemblies.
ADVANTAGES
o
It is an
advantage of the present system that the use of hydrocarbon-based freezing
point depressants may be eliminated with the present system.
o
It is another
advantage of the present system that the nozzle included with the system is
self-draining so as to allow the nozzle to purge itself of fluid when the
system is not being energized and therefore to further protect the system against
freezing.
DISADVANTAGES
o
Windshield washer
fluid can damage the vehicle. These critics point to the corrosive effects of
ethanol, methanol, and other components.
In conclusion, it can be said that
windshield washer is one of the most important parts of a vehicle’s equipment
and that, despite the fact that most people do not pay much attention to this,
they are really helpful when it comes to keeping the windshield clean and
ensuring that visibility levels are as high as possible.
