Emergency Windshield Wiper Platform with Suction Cup Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle windshield wiper systems often fail during severe weather conditions, rendering them ineffective and making it difficult to maintain visibility while driving.
Innovation Solution
An emergency windshield wiper system comprising a platform with suction cups, a motor, a control unit, an oscillating gear, and a wiper arm, which can be secured to a vehicle windshield using suction cups and a rechargeable battery-powered motor for operation, providing resistance for secure attachment and effective wiping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing vehicle windshield wiper systems are used, then they are integrated into the vehicle structure, but they fail during severe weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency wiper system is designed as a separate, modular unit that can be independently attached to the windshield without being integrated into the vehicle's existing wiper system. This segmentation allows the emergency system to function independently when the primary system fails, improving reliability while maintaining the ability to adapt to different weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency wiper system is pre-positioned and ready for immediate deployment on the windshield. The suction cups are pre-configured to create immediate adhesion, and the wiper blade is pre-attached to the arm assembly, allowing the system to be activated instantly when severe weather conditions arise and the primary system fails.
2Stability of the object's composition
If suction cups are positioned at opposite ends of the platform, then center of gravity is created at midpoint, but attachment stability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cups are strategically positioned at opposite ends of the platform to create a balanced center of gravity at the midpoint. This counterbalancing arrangement prevents the platform from tilting or becoming unstable during operation, while the distributed weight configuration across both suction cup attachment points maintains strong adhesion to the windshield surface.
3Ease of operation
If oscillating gear connects to motor via connector gear rod, then mechanical motion is transmitted, but resistance must be created for secure attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The arm assembly incorporates both dynamic and static elements: the oscillating gear provides dynamic motion to drive the wiper blade back and forth, while the friction fit between the arm and windshield creates a static, reliable attachment. The connector gear rod transmits mechanical motion efficiently from the motor to the oscillating gear, ensuring smooth operation while the friction-based attachment maintains reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If rechargeable battery is used, then portability is improved, but energy capacity must be sufficient for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency wiper system uses a rechargeable battery that replicates the energy storage function of the vehicle's electrical system. The battery is sized to provide sufficient energy for extended operation during severe weather events, capturing and storing electrical energy that can be drawn upon when the primary wiper system fails, thereby enabling portable, independent 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 emergency windshield wiper system effectively clears precipitation from vehicle windshields when existing wipers malfunction, ensuring safer driving during severe weather by providing a reliable and portable solution.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of suction cups, an oscillating gear and an arm that holds a windshield wiper. The suction cups are positioned at opposite ends of the platform so that a center of gravity is created at a midpoint of the platform.
Data Source
AI summary
An emergency windshield wiper system that attaches to the windshield of a vehicle. The system comprises of a platform that is used to secure a battery, a motor, a control, a pair of suction cups, an oscillating gear and an arm that holds a windshield wiper. The suction cups are positioned at opposite ends of the platform so that a center of gravity is created at a midpoint of the platform. The oscillating gear is positioned at the midpoint of the platform and it connects via a connector gear rod to a motor gear that is attached to the motor. The battery, motor and the control are operatively connected. The oscillating gear attaches to the arm. The windshield wiper inserts within the arm of the windshield wiper system.