Antique Car Intermittent Wiper Control Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Antique and historical cars lack intermittent windshield wiper control systems, which are essential for effective windshield cleaning in varying weather conditions, as they were originally equipped with only single or dual speed wiper motors without delay functions.
Innovation Solution
A microprocessor-based intermittent windshield wiper control system with a potentiometer and relay system that allows for user-actuated, variable intermittent operation, replacing the existing wiper control systems to provide multiple operational modes, including intermittent and non-intermittent speeds, without the need for mechanical switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single or dual speed wiper motor system is used in antique cars, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to varying weather conditions deteriorates and intermittent wiper operation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control module serves multiple functions: it controls both single-speed and variable-speed wiper operations, and can switch between continuous and intermittent modes. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to varying weather conditions while maintaining compatibility with existing single-speed wiper motors in antique cars.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module acts as an intermediary between the user (via speed selector and intermittent control) and the wiper motor. It translates user inputs into appropriate motor commands, enabling sophisticated wiper control without requiring a complex original motor system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a microprocessor-based intermittent wiper control system is installed, then the adaptability to varying weather conditions is improved and intermittent operation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical switching mechanisms with a microprocessor-based control system. The microprocessor interprets user inputs from the speed selector and intermittent control, then electronically controls the wiper motor, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling sophisticated control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module dynamically changes operational parameters (wiper speed, intermittent delay intervals) based on user inputs and environmental conditions. This allows the system to adapt to varying weather conditions by adjusting parameters rather than requiring multiple fixed-speed motors.
3Ease of operation
If variable speed and intermittent wiper operations are implemented, then the ease of operation is improved and visibility in varying weather conditions is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic control of wiper operation through the microprocessor, which continuously monitors user inputs from the speed selector and intermittent control, and adjusts motor commands in real-time. This enables smooth transitions between different operating modes without requiring multiple discrete mechanical systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An intermittent windshield wiper control device for use with antique or historical cars. The control device includes a user actuator mechanism, microprocessor circuitry, a potentiometer system, and a relay system. User movement of the actuator mechanism is translated to the potentiometer system to vary an output therefrom. The microprocessor circuitry acts in response to the potentiometer system output in controlling operation of a vehicle's wiper motor via the relay system.