Heated Wiper Assembly with Integrated Heating Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heated wiper blade technologies require costly and time-consuming replacement and re-wiring, with exposed and unaesthetically pleasing wiring arrangements, and are difficult to connect to vehicle wiring systems, posing challenges in ice buildup on windshield wiper blades in colder climates.
Innovation Solution
A heated wiper assembly with a flexible frame member, a resilient wiper blade, and a heating element with conductive wires within a common sheath, where leads are hidden within a cover member for aesthetic and accessible installation, and an adapter body for easy connection to vehicle fuse panels, allowing for quick installation without professional technicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heating element is mounted integrally within the wiper blade, then the heating element can directly engage the wiper blade for effective ice removal, but the replacement of the wiper blade requires replacement of the heating element or portions thereof, which is expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is designed as a separate, removable component that can be independently replaced from the wiper blade. The wiper blade is segmented into the blade body and the heating element assembly, allowing the heating element to be detached and replaced without discarding the entire wiper blade, thus reducing replacement costs and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is extracted from the integral structure of the wiper blade and positioned within a dedicated receptacle or channel in the blade body. This extraction allows the heating element to be removed and replaced independently while maintaining its direct engagement with the blade for effective heating.
2Ease of repair
If alternative arrangements allow for replacement of the heating elements, then the heating elements can be replaced without replacing the wiper blade, but significant re-wiring to take place which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical wiring is segmented into modular connectors that interface with the heating element assembly. The heating element is electrically connected through a plug-and-play connector system, allowing the heating element to be replaced without disturbing the main wiring harness, thus eliminating cumbersome re-wiring operations.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary connector or terminal block is introduced between the vehicle's wiring system and the heating element. This intermediary component allows the heating element to be easily disconnected and replaced without requiring direct manipulation of the vehicle's wiring, significantly reducing replacement time and complexity.
3Ease of operation
If alternative arrangements provide wiring which is exposed, then the wiring is more accessible for installation, but the wiring is unaesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The wiring is nested within the wiper blade structure, specifically routed through channels or passages in the blade body and cover member. This nesting conceals the wiring from external view, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance while maintaining accessibility through designated access points or connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring is enclosed within a flexible conduit or sheath that is integrated into the wiper blade assembly. This flexible enclosure protects the wiring and conceals it from view, maintaining a clean aesthetic appearance while allowing the wiring to remain accessible for connection and maintenance through designed access points.
4Reliability
If known heating devices are connected to the existing wiring of the vehicle, then the heating element can be powered, but the installation requires costly installation by trained technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element assembly is designed with universal connectors that are compatible with standard vehicle wiring systems. The assembly includes integrated wiring harnesses and connectors that can be easily plugged into common vehicle power sources, making the installation process straightforward and reducing the need for specialized installation services.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiring harness and electrical connections are pre-assembled and pre-tested as part of the heating element assembly before it reaches the customer. This preliminary preparation of the electrical system allows for simple plug-and-play installation, eliminating the need for complex wiring work by trained technicians and reducing installation costs.
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 a cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, and easily installable heated wiper assembly that effectively addresses ice buildup on windshield wiper blades, ensuring improved operational efficiency and reduced installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element slidably received within the central passage of the wiper blade, the heating element comprising two parallel conductive wires
Implementation Method 2
an apex which is raised relative to the side edges of the cover member to define at least one ramped and air deflecting surface
Data Source
AI summary
A heated wiper assembly has a frame for attachment to a windshield wiper arm of a vehicle and a resilient wiper body on the frame. A cover is mounted to the frame along opposing side edges and includes an apex which is raised relative to the side edges of the cover member to define at least one ramped and air deflecting surface and a hollow passage along the cover. A heating element received in the wiper body includes electrical leads extending through the hollow passage in the cover. A controller of the heating element is supported externally of the cover member. The conductive wires of the heating element are received within a common injection molded sheath. A wiring adapter is mounted in place of a fuse within a vehicle fuse box and includes circuits for ready connection of the heating element to a power source of the vehicle.