Intermittent washer
View Patent ↗A window washer control system and method administers fluid intermittently to a window based on an intermittent setting. A washer switch includes a plurality of frequency settings for varying a time interval between fluid administering events. The fluid level in a washer fluid reservoir is monitored to ensure a predetermined level. If the fluid level is below a predetermined level, control prevents intermittent washer administration and allows only manual activation.
1. A windshield washer apparatus of the type comprising a fluid delivery device to deliver a cleaning fluid to the windshield, comprising:
a washer switch having a variable frequency setting;
a controller that communicates with said washer switch and said fluid delivery device and that controls operation of said fluid delivery device for delivering fluids intermittently; and
a manual override for postponing fluid delivery while in said variable frequency setting.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fluid delivery is selectively adjustable among a range of intermittent settings.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said intermittent settings correspond to predetermined time delays between successive fluid delivery events.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus further includes a manual override for delivering fluid on demand while in said variable frequency setting.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , further including a fluid dispensing device for receiving fluid from said fluid delivery device and which dispenses fluid onto a window.
6. A method for administering fluid to a window comprising:
selecting an intermittent operational mode having a corresponding frequency of fluid delivery;
administering fluid intermittently to the window based on said intermittent operational mode;
determining if fluid level of a fluid reservoir is below a predetermined level and providing a signal if said fluid level is below said predetermined level; and
discontinuing fluid administration if said fluid level is below said predetermined level while in said intermittent operational mode.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein providing a signal includes providing a warning signal.
8. The method of claim 6 wherein providing a signal includes terminating fluid delivery.
9. The method of claim 6 , further comprising delivering fluid on demand while in said variable frequency setting based on a requested override.
10. The method of claim 6 , further comprising postponing fluid delivery while in said variable frequency mode based on a requested override.
11. A method for administering fluid to a window based on a user selected setting comprising:
determining an operating mode selected by the user from a range of operating modes;
administering fluid to the window;
waiting a predetermined time corresponding to said selected operating mode;
readministering fluid to the window; and
discontinuing fluid administration if fluid level of a fluid reservoir is below a predetermined level while in said intermittent setting.
12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising overriding said administering based on a request.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein overriding includes administering fluid instantly based on said request.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein overriding includes postponing fluid administration.