Heated Illuminated Wiper Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper assemblies do not effectively address the challenge of clearing ice and snow from windshields while providing a welcoming and visibility-enhancing solution for vehicle operators in inclement weather, especially when the vehicle is turned off and the operator approaches.
Innovation Solution
A heated and illuminated wiper assembly with a light source integrated between the wiper arm and blade, controlled by a module that activates the light and heating element based on precipitation, ambient temperature, and operator proximity, optimizing light intensity and operation to enhance visibility and ice removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light source is integrated into the wiper assembly to enhance visibility and provide a welcoming effect, then illumination intensity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only during specific conditions (precipitation, low temperature, operator approach) and specific wiper stroke positions (bottom stroke position). This periodic operation provides necessary illumination while dramatically reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts light intensity as a variable parameter based on ambient conditions. The controller ramps up intensity when the wiper approaches the bottom position and ramps down when rising, and varies intensity based on ambient light levels and temperature conditions. This parameter adjustment optimizes illumination effectiveness while minimizing energy consumption.
2Illumination intensity
If the light source is activated continuously to enhance visibility, then illumination is improved, but the welcoming effect for approaching operators is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates the light source in advance of the wiper blade reaching the windshield, specifically when the wiper arm is positioned to illuminate the bottom portion of the windshield. This timing creates a welcoming visual effect for approaching operators before they need to enter the vehicle, while maintaining visibility enhancement during actual wiper operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source operation is dynamically controlled based on multiple variables including wiper position, ambient light conditions, temperature, and detected precipitation. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize between continuous visibility enhancement and creating special welcoming moments when operators approach the vehicle.
3Reliability
If the heating element operates at high intensity to efficiently remove ice and snow, then ice removal effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element operates periodically based on detected conditions rather than continuously. The controller activates heating when precipitation is detected and temperature is below a predetermined threshold, and operates it during specific wiper stroke cycles. This periodic operation maintains effective ice and snow removal capability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-intensity operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating intensity is dynamically adjusted as a controllable parameter. The system can operate at different intensity levels depending on the severity of ice/snow accumulation and ambient temperature conditions, optimizing the balance between removal effectiveness and energy consumption.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and control functions are added to optimize light and heating operation, then adaptability to environmental conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is designed as a multi-functional unit that handles multiple sensing inputs (precipitation detection, temperature sensing, ambient light detection, operator presence detection) and controls multiple outputs (light source, heating element, wiper motor). This universal controller consolidates what could be separate complex subsystems into a single integrated unit, improving adaptability while managing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single control module that manages both the light source and heating element operations. By merging these control functions and sharing common sensing inputs, the system achieves high adaptability to environmental conditions while avoiding the complexity multiplication that would result from separate independent control systems.
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 enhanced visibility and efficient ice removal by activating the heating element and light source strategically, ensuring the windshield is clear and the operator is welcomed safely, even when the vehicle is turned off, with adjustable intensity to suit ambient conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element for heating the wiper blade
Implementation Method 2
a light source provided between the wiper arm and the wiper blade
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper assembly includes a wiper arm, a wiper blade carried on the wiper arm and a light source provided between the wiper arm and the raised wiper blade. The wiper assembly may also include a heating element and a controller to control operation of the light source and the heating element.