Aircraft Wiper Arm Assembly With Adjustable Blade Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft windshield wiper systems lack a mechanism for adjusting the blade load, and existing adjustment mechanisms increase aerodynamic drag and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A windshield wiper system with a wiper drive shaft featuring a first threaded section, a second threaded section, and a spline section, along with a first nut and a second nut that allow for adjustable blade load by axially positioning the wiper arm assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a blade load adjustment mechanism is added to the wiper system, then the wipe quality is improved, but the aerodynamic drag and build complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper arm assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the wiper blade, enables rotational movement with the drive shaft via the spline section, and allows blade load adjustment through the threaded sections and nuts. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining wipe quality
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is merged into the wiper arm assembly itself rather than being a separate component. The threaded sections are integrated into the drive shaft, and the adjustment sleeve combines positioning and adjustment functions, reducing the number of discrete parts and simplifying the overall structure
2Reliability
If a blade load adjustment mechanism is added to the wiper system, then the wipe quality is improved, but the aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be retracted or integrated in a way that minimizes its aerodynamic profile during operation. The threaded sections and nuts are positioned to reduce air resistance, and the adjustment sleeve can be positioned to minimize drag while still providing full adjustment capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional adjustment mechanisms are used, then blade load can be adjusted, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper arm assembly integrates multiple functions including structural support, rotational movement through spline engagement, and blade load adjustment via threaded sections. This consolidation of functions into a single assembly reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The drive shaft is segmented into distinct functional sections: a spline section for rotational engagement and two threaded sections for adjustment. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining a compact overall structure that reduces complexity
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
The system provides adjustable blade load without increasing aerodynamic drag or complexity, allowing for optimal wipe quality and reduced operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
A first nut is configured to thread onto the first threaded section, and a second nut is configured to thread onto the second threaded section
Data Source
AI summary
A windshield wiper system for an aircraft includes a wiper drive shaft with a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The second end includes a first threaded section between the first end and the second end, a second threaded section extending axially along the wiper drive shaft between the first threaded section and the second end relative to a center axis of the wiper drive shaft, and a spline section axially between the first threaded section and the second threaded section. Further included is a first nut to thread to the first threaded section, a second nut to thread to the second threaded section, and a wiper arm assembly including an adjustment sleeve configured to interlock with the spline section, a wiper arm with a first end configured to enclose the adjustment sleeve, and a second end of the wiper arm attached to a wiper blade.