Low Cost Integrated Hot Fluid Windshield Cleaning System Enhances Driver Safety 2008-01-0266

Integration of vehicle system components provides important cost and weight reductions, valuable space savings, etc. while maintaining reliability and performance. Clear Vision Safety is enhanced by combining the major components and functions of a vehicle windshield washer system. This new system integrates hot fluid windshield cleaning with the wiper motor and washer pump, which is adapted to the wiper linkage assembly. The components of the hot fluid windshield cleaning system (heating elements and advanced electronics) are combined with a unique motor with gearing capable of both 1) high torque output for driving the windshield wiper linkage, and 2) high speed output for pumping hot fluid onto the windshield. Motor and pump drive requirements and features are efficiently integrated into one electronic circuit for improved reliability and significant cost reduction. And with the pump located near the windshield, the washer fluid reservoir can be remotely mounted, even outside the engine compartment. The resulting compact unitary package effectively optimizes confined areas under the hood, providing space to meet the constantly expanding automotive operating system requirements.

This paper describes the design and operation of the improved, integrated hot fluid windshield cleaning system. Also discussed are how this system integration reduces cost and increases reliability as compared to conventional, non-integrated washer/wiper system component assemblies. This system is intended to exceed the requirements of FMVSS103¹ and FMVSS104².