Heated Wiper Blade Insulation Structure for Lower Energy Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiper blades for motor vehicles require a significant amount of energy for heating, which is ecologically and economically inefficient.

Innovation Solution

The wiper blade incorporates an insulating element with an air chamber on its top surface, reducing heat loss and energy consumption by insulating the mounting area and wiper lip, while utilizing a heating device to heat the spring rail effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a heating element is arranged in an outer cavity of the wiper blade rubber, then the wiper blade can be heated, but a relatively large amount of energy is required for heating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiper blade temperatureVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an insulating element as an intermediary component between the heating element and the surrounding environment. This insulating element prevents heat loss to the environment, allowing the heating element to heat the wiper blade more efficiently with reduced energy consumption. The insulating element acts as a mediator that directs and retains thermal energy within the wiper blade structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating element is positioned specifically in the mounting area of the wiper strip, which is the region requiring heat input for optimal wiping performance. The insulating element is strategically placed to retain heat locally in this critical area, ensuring that thermal energy is concentrated where it is most needed rather than being distributed throughout the entire wiper blade structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the wiper strip is connected to the spring rail via a tilting bridge, then good cleaning performance is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning performanceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wiper strip is divided into distinct functional segments: the mounting area for attachment to the spring rail, the tilting bridge as a separate articulation component, and the wiping lip for actual cleaning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall structural efficiency. The tilting bridge acts as an independent articulation point that enables the wiping lip to adapt to the windshield surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tilting bridge provides dynamic articulation between the mounting area and the wiping lip, allowing the wiper strip to adjust its angle and conform to the curvature of the windshield. This dynamic capability enables the wiping lip to maintain optimal contact with the glass surface throughout the wiping arc, significantly improving cleaning performance compared to a rigid connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design achieves energy savings and improved cleaning performance by minimizing heat loss and optimizing heating efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an insulating element is provided for thermal insulation. In this way, the energy required for heating is reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

the spring rail has a heating element, which is arranged on the upper side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4065432B1Wiper blade, in particular for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP4065432B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4065432B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4065432B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a wiper blade (10), in particular for a motor vehicle. Said wiper blade comprises a wiper strip (14) with a longitudinal extension (L) and a heating device (30). According to the invention, an insulating element (34) for thermal insulation is provided.