Heated Wiper Blade with Integrated Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heated windshield wiper blades for motor vehicles are either costly to manufacture or complex to install, and they often fail to integrate effectively with the vehicle's defrosting system, leading to hazardous conditions due to ice and snow accumulation on the windshield.
Innovation Solution
A heated wiper blade design featuring a unique heating element pattern, including a Kapton or silicone etched foil adhesive backed strip with thermistor or PTC material, embedded in the wiper blade to provide efficient heat distribution, combined with a graphite or graphite-impregnated squeegee and backing for improved heat transfer, and a temperature sensing module to regulate power supply, ensuring the blades operate efficiently and safely across varying temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heating element or added assembly is used to heat the wiper frame, arm and blade, then the wiper blade can prevent ice and snow accumulation, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is integrated directly into the wiper blade structure rather than being a separate added assembly. The conductive material is embedded within the blade body, merging the heating function with the structural component, which reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining ice prevention capability
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper blade is designed to perform multiple functions: structural support, ice/snow prevention through integrated heating, and integration with the vehicle's defrosting system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating assemblies, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If a heating element or added assembly is used to heat the wiper frame, arm and blade, then the wiper blade can prevent ice and snow accumulation, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is merged with the wiper blade structure, creating a single integrated component rather than separate parts that need to be assembled. This integration simplifies installation to a single-step replacement process, eliminating complex wiring and assembly requirements for do-it-yourself consumers
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper blade with integrated heating element is designed as a self-contained unit that can be easily installed and removed by the consumer without requiring specialized tools or complex wiring connections. The blade serves itself by maintaining operational temperature through its integrated heating capability
3Reliability
If the wiper blade operates at high temperature to prevent ice and snow buildup, then the heating effectiveness increases, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is strategically positioned and configured to provide concentrated heat at the blade edges where ice and snow accumulation occurs most. This localized heating approach maintains effectiveness while reducing overall energy consumption compared to heating the entire blade structure uniformly
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper blade system integrates with the vehicle's temperature sensing and defrosting control system, which monitors conditions and adjusts heating activation accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the heating element operates only when necessary, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining heating effectiveness when needed
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 an economical, efficient, and safe heated wiper blade that effectively integrates with the vehicle's defrosting system, preventing ice and snow buildup while maintaining component integrity and reducing energy consumption, ensuring the blades remain functional and safe in various temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
heating element or some other type of added assembly
Implementation Method 2
graphite or graphite-impregnated squeegee and backing for improved heat transfer
Implementation Method 3
thermistor or PTC material
Implementation Method 4
thermistor or PTC material
Data Source
AI summary
A heated wiper blade for motor vehicles includes an elongated flexible beam and a heating element extending along the beam. The heating element may be configured to provide increased heat at the central portion of the blade and at the opposite ends of the blade. The flexible beam may include curved end portions and a flat or reduced curvature central portion. The heating element is preferably covered and sealed off to prevent loss of heat energy.