Guru
Introduction
The Importance of a Clean Windshield
Maintaining a clear line of sight is crucial for safe driving.Dirt, bugs, and other particles can build up on a windshield,blocking the driver's vision and creating a dangerous situation.The windshield washer system offers a dependable way to keep the windshield free of debris, especially in challenging weather or on extended trips.
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 washer 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. Antifreeze, 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 litres 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.
Functionality of the Windshield Washer System
When the driver triggers it, usually with a stalk or button on the steering column, the windshield washer system is activated. The washer fluid pump sends the cleaning solution through tubes to the nozzles. At the same time, the wiper blades glide over the windshield, distributing the fluid and eliminating dirt and debris. This joint effort ensures a clear and unobstructed view for the driver.
Windshield washer nozzle
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.
Advantage
- It is an advantage of the present system that the use of hydrocarbon-based freezing point depressants may be eliminated with the present system.
- 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.
Disadvantage
- Windshield washer fluid can damage the vehicle. These critics point to the corrosive effects of ethanol, methanol, and other components.