Universal Aircraft Wiper Assembly With Programmable Mount Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft operators face AOG situations due to the need to stock multiple windshield wiper motor/converter assemblies for various aircraft types, leading to delays and high costs, and existing wipers are noisy and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A universal windshield wiper assembly with customized mounts and preset programmed electronics for permanent installation on aircraft, utilizing internally or externally commutated and asynchronous motors to match individual aircraft specifications, eliminating the need for multiple assemblies and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple motor/converter assemblies are stocked for different aircraft types, then reliability of windshield wiper operation is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal motor/converter assembly that can be adapted to multiple aircraft types through interchangeable mounting brackets and programmable control circuits. The control circuit receives aircraft type input and adjusts operational parameters accordingly, allowing one motor assembly to replace multiple type-specific assemblies, thereby reducing inventory complexity while maintaining reliability across different aircraft models
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed to accept aircraft type identification and dynamically change operational parameters such as speed, torque, and cycle timing to match the specific requirements of different aircraft windshield wiper systems. This parameter adaptability allows a single motor assembly to reliably operate various aircraft types without requiring multiple specialized assemblies
2Manufacturing precision
If type-specific motor/converter assemblies are used for each aircraft model, then manufacturing precision for each aircraft type is improved, but adaptability across aircraft models deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into standardized base components and aircraft-specific adapter brackets. The base motor/converter assembly maintains precise manufacturing tolerances, while interchangeable adapter brackets provide the adaptation to different aircraft mounting points. This segmentation allows high precision manufacturing of the core assembly while achieving broad adaptability through modular adapters
Solution Approach 2:
Interchangeable mounting brackets serve as intermediary components between the universal motor/converter assembly and various aircraft-specific mounting points. These adapter brackets translate between the standardized motor mounting interface and the diverse aircraft windshield geometries, enabling precise operation across different aircraft models without compromising the precision of the core assembly
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional motor/converter assemblies are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but noise generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical timing and control mechanisms with electronically controlled systems. The control circuit electronically regulates motor operation, replacing mechanical linkages and timing devices that generated noise. This substitution maintains manufacturing simplicity while significantly reducing operational noise through electronic control of motor speed and activation cycles
Data Source
AI summary
A universal windshield wiper blade assembly for use with all aircraft, both commercial and military that removes the necessity of having assemblies for each individual type of aircraft in existence at locations where aircraft fly in and out. The system utilizes individual mounts for individual types of aircraft that are permanently installed and that contain preset programmed electronics for each individual type of aircraft after which the universal windshield wiper assembly is installed thereon. The universal windshield wiper assembly includes a gear box with a shaft that attaches to a windshield wiper arm that moves and windshield wiper blade, an electric motor, including internally and externally commutated as well as asynchronous motors relative to each other that actuates the gear box and a motor cover.