Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a heated windshield washer bottle that may be used in future Ford vehicles, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on August 27th, 2019, published on May 2nd, 2023, and assigned serial number 11639155.
The Ford Authority Take
Ford has filed a number of automotive glass-related patents in recent months, a list that includes ideas such as a heated windshield camera viewing zone, a heated window system for EVs, an automated windshield wiper system, an enhanced anti-fogging window system, an automatic rear defroster, a heated side window system, and heated windshield wiper blades. Now, this newly filed patent previews yet another idea that could wind up in future Ford vehicles – a headed windshield washer bottle.
Today, many vehicles come equipped with windshield wiper de-icers, which help keep those items from being frozen to the windshield in very cold weather. However, there are times when ice covers the windshield, forcing those that can’t park their vehicles inside – or who don’t have remote start – to wait for the vehicle’s defrost system to heat the windshield up to the point where that ice melts and they can see clearly.
As an alternative, the system depicted in this patent would consist of a window washer bottle that utilizes heat from an electrical device to warm the washer fluid inside, increasing its effectiveness in cold weather.
This idea is quite simple in nature, but at the same time, it almost makes too much sense not to happen. Those that have dealt with frosty windshields in the past would certainly benefit from it, and it could very well save us not only time, but also help cut emissions from vehicles while they’re sitting outside stationary while owners wait for them to warm up in the winter time.
We’ll have more on this and all Ford patents soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford patent news, Ford business news, and comprehensive Ford news coverage.
Comments
My 1990 pontiac bonneville sse had a heated windshield washer fluid bottle!
My 2007 Silverado had heated windshield washer fluid. Did gm sell Ford the patent?
GM did the heated washer fluid thing years ago, but didn’t do it well and had to recall all vehicles that had it due to a fire risk. They removed it from recalled vehicles because the supplier they used went out of business probably because these things were fire hazards.
GM Will Deactivate Heated Washer Fluid Systems: Models included in the recall are the 2006-2009 model year Buick Lucerne; Cadillac DTS; Hummer H2; 2008-2009 model year Buick Enclave; Cadillac CTS; 2007-2009 model year Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe; GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL; Saturn Outlook; and 2009 model year Chevrolet Traverse.
However, I don’t think it was a heated bottle like this Ford patent, I think it was an inline heater.
https://news.gm.com/newsroom.detail.html/Pages/news/us/en/2010/Jun/0608_gm_washer.html
You know if you pour some alcohol in there it won’t freeze and probably $500 cheaper. Don’t Mercedes and BMW already have heated wipers?
Most convenience and big box stores the snowbelt carry washer fluid good to -34º. The problem some have is that quick lube franchises and some dealers fill or top it off with diluted washer fluid. I’ve had mine turn into a slushy at 15º above and burn out the pump.
I now request that they don’t touch the washer fluid.
10-4 on the potential fire hazard. Just another future “Component Delete Option” when the inevitable parts shortage catches up.