Beam Blade Wiper Airfoil Geometry for Wind Lift Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Beam blade windshield wiper assemblies are prone to wind lift due to lift and drag forces, which reduces their effectiveness in cleaning the windshield, especially at higher speeds, and there is a need for improved designs that increase downward force and reduce manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
The beam blade windshield wiper assembly incorporates an airfoil with a wing that has converging facing and trailing surfaces, attached to resiliently flexible elongated beams and a connecting member, optimizing the layover angles to enhance downward force and reduce lift and drag forces across a range of attack angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If beam blade windshield wiper assembly is used, then aesthetic appearance and smaller profile are improved, but wind lift resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful aerodynamic forces (lift and drag) into a beneficial downward force on the wiper blade. By designing an airfoil structure with specific camber and angle of attack, the airflow over the blade generates negative lift (downward force) that presses the wiping element against the windshield, transforming the harmful wind lift effect into a useful cleaning force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the aerodynamic parameters of the wiper blade by introducing an airfoil cross-section with specific camber (curvature) and angle of attack. This parameter change transforms the blade from a flat, wind-lift-prone structure into an aerodynamically optimized shape that generates downward force in high-speed airflow, directly addressing the wind lift resistance issue while maintaining the beam blade's aesthetic profile.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If airfoil structure is added to reduce wind lift, then wind lift resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the airfoil structure directly into the beam blade assembly, eliminating the need for separate wind lift reduction components. The airfoil is formed as an integral part of the beam blade's cross-section, combining the structural function of the beam with the aerodynamic function of the airfoil, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining wind lift resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible beam blade structure that naturally conforms to the windshield surface while maintaining its airfoil cross-section. The flexibility of the beam allows the rigid airfoil shape to adapt to curved surfaces without requiring additional complex mechanisms, simplifying the overall device structure while preserving aerodynamic performance across varying attack angles.
3Force
If airfoil with optimized layover angles is used, then downward force is increased, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies and optimizes specific parameter ranges for the airfoil's layover angles (facing surface angle and trailing surface angle) to maximize downward force generation. By establishing optimal angle ranges rather than requiring exact precise values, the design achieves high downward force while accommodating normal manufacturing tolerances, balancing performance with manufacturability.
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 airfoil design effectively reduces wind lift and drag forces, improving wiping performance and manufacturing simplicity by applying increased downward force and minimizing chatter during operation.
Implementation Method 1
an airfoil that has an attachment portion that is operatively attached to the elongated beams. The airfoil includes an upper portion that is operatively attached to the attachment portion. The upper portion includes a wing that has a facing surface and a trailing surface. The facing surface and trailing surface extend outwardly from the upper portion at predetermined converging angles to increase the downward force that acts on the airfoil for improved wind lift resistance and reduced drag.
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper assembly having a wiping element for contact with a windshield within a predetermined attack angle range of ±10° perpendicular relative to the surface to be wiped. The wiper assembly further includes two elongated beams that are engaged to the wiping element and apply a downward force thereto. The wiper assembly also includes a connecting member mounted to the elongated beams. The wiper assembly also includes an airfoil that has an attachment portion attached to the elongated beams and an upper portion that is attached to the attachment portion. The upper portion includes a wing having a facing surface and a trailing surface that extend outwardly from the upper portion at converging angles to improve wind lift resistance and reduce drag.