Aircraft Windscreen Wiper Control via Dynamic Avionics Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional windscreen wiper systems are custom-designed for specific platforms, leading to high engineering development costs and limited reusability, as they are not dynamically updateable during operation.
Innovation Solution
A system that dynamically controls windscreen wiper and wash system configuration parameters using an avionics bus, allowing for customizable settings such as wiper speed, sweep angle, and wash fluid level, with the ability to operate in automatic mode based on avionics inputs like airspeed and angle of attack, and includes a wiper interface device to connect the wiper and wash systems to the avionics bus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If windscreen wiper systems are custom-designed for specific platforms, then the system can be optimized for specific applications, but engineering development costs increase and reusability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal wiper system platform that can be configured for different aircraft types through software parameters rather than hardware redesign. The system uses a common architecture with configurable wiper patterns, speeds, and coordination modes that can adapt to various windscreen geometries and operational requirements, eliminating the need for custom-designed systems for each platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs configurable parameters including wiper speed, sweep angle, pause duration, and coordination timing that can be adjusted through software to optimize performance for different aircraft applications. These parameter changes allow a single hardware platform to deliver application-specific optimization without requiring custom engineering for each case.
2Reliability
If traditional wiper systems are custom-designed for specific platforms, then the system can be optimized for specific applications, but reusability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional wiper control system that serves multiple aircraft types and configurations through a single platform. The system can be programmed with different wiper patterns (e.g., simultaneous, alternating, sequential), speed profiles, and coordination modes to accommodate various windscreen sizes, shapes, and operational requirements across different aircraft platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic configurability where operational parameters such as wiper speed, sweep angle, pause timing, and coordination patterns can be changed in real-time or through software updates. This dynamic nature allows the same hardware system to adapt to different applications and be reused across multiple platforms without physical modifications.
3Device complexity
If wiper systems operate with fixed parameters, then the system is simpler to control, but operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment capabilities where wiper speed, sweep angle, and pause duration can be modified based on operational conditions. The system allows configuration of multiple operational modes (e.g., low speed, high speed, intermittent, continuous) and can adapt parameters to match flight conditions, improving operational efficiency while maintaining manageable control complexity through predefined modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes including wiper speed variation, sweep angle adjustment, and timing modifications to optimize performance for different operational scenarios. These parameter changes are achieved through software configuration rather than mechanical redesign, allowing efficient operation across diverse conditions while keeping the control system relatively simple through electronic rather than mechanical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are embodiments for a system having an avionics system that is configured to dynamically communicate one or more configurable parameters of a wiper and wash system based at least in part on a selected mode, and an avionics bus that is configured to communicate dynamic parameters from the avionics system. The system also includes a wash system having a fluid reservoir and fluid level sensor, and a wiper system including a control unit (ECU) that is configured to operate the system based at least in part on the one or more configurable parameters, wherein the wiper system is coupled to the wash system and supplies the wash fluid to the wiper system. Also provided are embodiments of a method for performing dynamic control of the aircraft windscreen wiper and wash system configuration parameters.