Adjustable Deflector Plate for Windshield Wiper De-icing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicle defroster systems effectively clear windshields of ice but often leave windshield wipers ice-covered, impairing their function.
Innovation Solution
A de-icer apparatus with a jointed arm and adjustable deflector plate that directs warm air from the dashboard vents directly onto the windshield wipers, accommodating various windshield shapes and sizes, including larger commercial vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed deflector is used to redirect air to wipers, then wiper de-icing is improved, but adaptability to different windshield shapes and sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector plate is made dynamically adjustable through a linkage mechanism connected to a control lever. This allows the deflector angle and position to be changed in real-time, enabling the system to adapt to different windshield geometries, vehicle models, and operating conditions while maintaining effective wiper de-icing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable deflector mechanism is designed to work universally across different vehicle types and windshield configurations. By making the deflector angle variable rather than fixed, a single device design can serve multiple applications from compact cars to commercial vehicles with various windshield shapes and sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the deflector plate is made adjustable to accommodate different vehicles, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector assembly is segmented into separate functional components: the deflector plate itself, the linkage mechanism, and the control lever. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance while achieving the complex adjustable functionality needed for universal compatibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures windshield wipers are cleared of ice, ensuring proper function by effectively channeling defroster air to the wiper area, regardless of windshield slope or size.
Implementation Method 1
directs air flow from a defrost vent in a vehicle having a windshield with an inner surface and a windshield wiper
Implementation Method 2
directs air flow from a defrost vent... to de-ice the windshield wiper
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for directing air flow from a defrost vent in a vehicle toward the base of the windshield to de-ice the windshield wiper. A deflector plate is pivotally attached to one end of a jointed arm. The other end of the jointed arm is releasably attachable to the inside of the windshield above the defroster vent. The angles of the jointed arm and the deflector plate are adjusted to direct warm air from the defrost vent directly toward the windshield wiper. A commercial version of the apparatus has a length-adjustable arm to accommodate larger windshields in commercial vehicles.