Climate-Based Wiper Elevation to Prevent Ice Sticking and Heat Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle windshield wiper systems are inadequate for handling extreme weather conditions, such as snow, ice, and high temperatures, which can cause wiper blades to stick or wear prematurely, and fail to automatically adjust wiper blade position based on climate conditions when the vehicle is parked.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for monitoring external climate conditions using a temperature sensor, windshield monitoring camera, and precipitation sensor, which control a wiper blade elevation actuator to raise or lower wiper blades based on temperature thresholds and presence of snow or ice, even when the vehicle is in park mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wiper blades remain on the windshield during extreme weather conditions, then the windshield can be kept clear of precipitation, but the wiper blades may stick to the windshield or suffer premature wear due to ice and extreme temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by monitoring weather conditions and proactively raising or lowering wiper blades before damage occurs. Temperature sensors and precipitation detectors trigger automatic blade position changes in advance of problematic conditions, preventing ice buildup and extreme temperature damage before they affect wiper blade functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper system serves itself by using integrated sensors to automatically detect weather conditions and control blade positioning without manual intervention. The system monitors temperature and precipitation levels, then autonomously adjusts blade positions to protect against damage while maintaining windshield clarity when needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If wiper blades are raised off the windshield to prevent damage, then the blades are protected from extreme weather, but the windshield cannot be cleared of snow and ice
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts wiper blade position based on real-time weather conditions rather than maintaining a fixed position. The blades automatically transition between raised and lowered states in response to temperature changes and precipitation detection, optimizing both protection and windshield clearing functionality as conditions evolve.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of blade position (raised vs. lowered) based on temperature and precipitation parameters. When temperature drops below freezing or precipitation is detected, the system changes blade position to protect against damage, while maintaining the ability to lower blades for clearing when conditions are favorable.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If wiper blades are lowered onto the windshield to clear precipitation, then the windshield remains clear, but the blades experience premature wear from extreme temperatures and ice
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary protective action by raising wiper blades before extreme temperature conditions or ice formation occur. Temperature sensors detect approaching freezing conditions and trigger blade elevation in advance, preventing contact that would cause premature wear while still allowing clearing operations during favorable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temperature sensors and precipitation detectors to continuously monitor conditions and adjust blade position accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures blades are lowered only when conditions are safe for contact, extending service life while maintaining windshield clarity when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a wiper blade control system for a vehicle comprising: a wiper blade electronic control unit, a temperature sensor, at least one of a windshield monitoring camera, a windshield precipitation monitor, or combinations thereof, and a wiper blade elevation motor. The wiper blade electronic control unit is connected to the temperature sensor to the at least one of the windshield monitoring camera or the windshield precipitation monitor, to the wiper blade elevation motor, and to a vehicle transmission electronic control unit. Provided the vehicle is in park, the system raises a set of wiper blades off the windshield if the external temperature either exceeds a high temperature threshold or is below a low temperature threshold. The system also raises the wiper blades if snow or ice are detected on the windshield. The system lowers the wiper blades when the conditions are no longer met.