Ball-Joint Windscreen Wiper Assembly for Double-Curved Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen wipers for velomobiles with double-curved windscreens are inefficient and require manual operation, which is impractical for distant handles, and electric operation adds weight and wear to the windshield.
Innovation Solution
A windscreen wiper assembly with a movable shaft and pivot connection, allowing the wiper arm to twist in two axes, using ball joints and a pneumatic spring for actuation, enabling a lightweight and efficient wiping mechanism that adapts to the double-curved surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual wiper operation with a handle directly attached to the wiper shaft is used, then the structure remains simple and lightweight, but the handle cannot be located at a distance from the windscreen wiper shaft
Solution Approach 1:
A cable or rod actuator serves as an intermediary transmission element between the distant handle and the wiper shaft, enabling force transmission over distance while maintaining structural simplicity and lightness
2Ease of operation
If an electrically operated wiper is provided to solve distant handle location, then the handle can be positioned remotely, but weight increases and extra wear is caused on the polymer windshield
Solution Approach 1:
A cable or rod actuator serves as an intermediary transmission element between the distant handle and the wiper shaft, enabling force transmission over distance while maintaining structural simplicity and lightness
3Adaptability or versatility
If advanced mechanical gears are used to allow the wiper to twist in two axes and follow the double-curved surface, then the wiping effectiveness on double-curved windscreens is improved, but the mass and size of the rotation mechanism increase
Solution Approach 1:
Ball joints are used to provide spherical movement capability, allowing the wiper arm to pivot and twist in multiple directions to adapt to the double-curved windscreen surface without requiring complex gear mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper mechanism employs dynamic pivot connections with ball joints that allow continuous adjustment of the wiper blade angle and position, enabling the blade to conform to the curved surface during operation
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 assembly provides effective wiping on double-curved surfaces with minimal parts and weight, offering both manual and electric operation options, and integrates with a windscreen washer system for enhanced functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator assembly comprising a pneumatic spring (9b), the pneumatic spring having a first end connected to the lower portion of the shaft (3) and second end connectable to the vehicle (100), the pneumatic spring, upon being compressed, being adapted to move the wiper arm (1) to a first position, and wherein the pneumatic spring, upon being released to an uncompressed state, being adapted to move the wiper arm (1) to a second position
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a windscreen wiper assembly for a double-curved windscreen for a vehicle and a velomobile including the windscreen wiper assembly. The windscreen wiper assembly comprises: a wiper arm connected to a wiper blade attachment, the wiper arm 5 having a longitudinal axis; and a windscreen wiper rotation mechanism to which the wiper arm is connected for moving the windscreen wiper blade across the double-curved windscreen, a part of the windscreen wiper rotation mechanism adapted to be fixed relative to the windscreen. Also, the windscreen wiper rotation mechanism includes a first rotary joint having a central point, around which the wiper arm has full rotational freedom, 10 whereby the wiper arm, upon being moved by the windscreen wiper rotation mechanism, may substantially follow the curvature of the double-curved windscreen.