Frameless Heated Wiper Assembly with Sinuous Heating Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heated wiper assemblies are costly, complex, and ineffective in preventing ice and snow buildup on windshields and wiper systems, often requiring manual removal and failing to integrate with vehicle defrosting systems, leading to reduced visibility and safety during winter driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A frameless, heated wiper assembly with elongated, resilient blades and flexible heaters, designed to be easily installed and compatible with vehicle electrical systems, featuring sinuously extending heating elements and a low-profile design that works in conjunction with defrosting systems to maintain visibility by reducing ice buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional heated wiper assemblies with frame structures are used, then heating function is provided, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional frame structure from the wiper assembly, extracting only the essential heating function. The heater element is positioned directly against the windshield without requiring a frame, blade holder, or complex mounting structure, thereby eliminating unnecessary components while maintaining the heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper assembly is designed to work universally with standard windshield defrosting systems. The heater element can be integrated with existing vehicle electrical systems and defrosting mechanisms, allowing the same basic design to serve multiple heating and defrosting functions across different vehicle types without requiring vehicle-specific customization.
2Temperature
If complex heated wiper assemblies with multiple components are used, then heating coverage is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is segmented into a standalone heater element that operates independently of the traditional wiper blade assembly. This segmentation allows the heater to be manufactured separately and installed independently, simplifying both manufacturing processes and installation procedures while maintaining effective heating coverage across the windshield surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of integrating the heater into a complex frame structure, the invention inverts the approach by placing the heater element directly against the windshield. This reversal of the traditional design paradigm eliminates the need for intermediate structural components, greatly simplifying manufacturing and installation while achieving comprehensive heating coverage.
3Temperature
If heated wiper assemblies operate independently without integrating with defrosting systems, then wiper heating is provided, but overall effectiveness in preventing ice buildup deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wiper heating function with the vehicle's existing windshield defrosting system. The heater element is designed to work in conjunction with the defrosting system, combining localized wiper heating with overall windshield defrosting to provide comprehensive ice and snow prevention, thereby enhancing overall effectiveness compared to independent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow the heater to operate in coordination with the defrosting system. By monitoring the operational state of the defrosting system and adjusting heater activation accordingly, the system optimizes ice buildup prevention effectiveness, ensuring both components work synergistically rather than independently.
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 solution provides effective, cost-efficient, and easy-to-install heated wiper assemblies that maintain visibility in all weather conditions, operating within standard vehicle electrical ranges and drawing low amperage, thus ensuring safety and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
The assembly includes an elongated, flexible heater to convert electrical energy into heat
Data Source
AI summary
A heated wiper system including at least one frameless, heated wiper assembly is provided. Each wiper assembly includes a flexible squeegee blade and a pair of spaced flexible backing members. The assembly includes a pair of flexible heaters disposed between the blade and their respective backing member to convert electrical energy from a source of electrical energy (i.e., a battery) into heat. Each heater includes a heating element sufficiently dimensioned to sinuously travel back and forth between the sides of the assembly substantially the entire length of its respective backing member. Wiring connects the battery to the heaters by extending through a sealed center support apparatus which connects the blade, the heaters and elongated resilient spines together between the backing members.