Expandable Wiper Arm with Sliding Joint for Corner Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional window wiper systems have fixed-length wiper arms that cannot effectively clear areas adjacent to the corner of the window and are impaired by ice and snow buildup in cold conditions, requiring manual cleaning.
Innovation Solution
An expandable wiper system with a sliding joint and linear actuator, controlled by a system that extends and retracts the wiper arm based on inputs such as motor torque, rotational speed, and wiper arm position, using a biasing member and solenoid or hydraulic/pneumatic piston, allowing for greater window coverage and ice/snow removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a fixed-length wiper arm is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the area of the window that can be cleared is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper arm transitions from a fixed-length structure to a dynamically adjustable length structure. The sliding joint mechanism allows the wiper arm to extend and retract based on operational needs, enabling coverage of larger window areas including corner regions while maintaining manageable complexity through controlled mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper arm is divided into segments that can move relative to each other through the sliding joint. This segmentation allows the arm to change its effective length by extending or retracting the telescoping sections, thereby increasing window coverage without requiring a completely redesign of the entire wiper system.
2Reliability
If the wiper blade remains stationary in cold conditions, then energy consumption is reduced, but ice and snow buildup impairs clearing ability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by extending the wiper arm to a retracted position before the clearing operation in cold conditions. This preliminary retraction prevents ice and snow from accumulating on the blade during storage, maintaining clearing ability without requiring continuous energy consumption. The controller activates this protective retraction based on detected cold conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically returns the sliding joint to its retracted position when the linear actuator is not actively extending it. This self-service mechanism reduces energy consumption by eliminating the need for continuous actuation to maintain the protective retracted position during cold weather storage.
3Area of stationary object
If the wiper arm is extended to clear corner areas, then window coverage is improved, but the force required to operate the wiper increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper arm dynamically adjusts its length based on the operational phase. During the clearing operation, the arm extends to reach corner areas, and the controller monitors motor torque to determine when extension is needed. The system manages the increased force requirement by timing the extension to coincide with phases where additional torque is beneficial for clearing stubborn deposits.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses feedback from motor torque sensing to control the extension and retraction of the sliding joint. When the torque sensor detects increased load conditions that benefit from extended arm leverage, the controller activates the linear actuator to extend the arm. This feedback mechanism ensures the arm is extended at optimal moments to maximize clearing effectiveness while managing motor force requirements.
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 expandable wiper system effectively clears a larger portion of the window, including corners, and automatically removes ice and snow buildup, enhancing operational efficiency and user convenience in cold conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the linear actuator includes a biasing member and a linear solenoid arranged to selectively extend and retract the sliding joint
Implementation Method 2
the linear actuator includes a biasing member and a linear solenoid arranged to selectively extend and retract the sliding joint
Implementation Method 3
the linear actuator comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic piston which operates to selectively extend and retract the sliding joint
Implementation Method 4
the linear actuator comprises a hydraulic or pneumatic piston which operates to selectively extend and retract the sliding joint
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle window wiper system includes a wiper arm having a sliding joint operated by a linear actuator which selectively extends and retract the sliding joint. A controller is configured to cause the linear actuator to selectively extend and retract the sliding joint. A wiper arm rotational position provided to the controller determines whether the wiper arm should be in an extended or a retracted position.