Integrated Wiper Arm Nozzle Layout for Cleaner Windshield Sweeps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wiper assemblies separate rain wipers and washer systems, causing temporary driver blind spots and unnecessary waste of washing liquid.
Innovation Solution
A wiper arm design with integrated washer assembly nozzles that spray fluid towards the outward-swinging and return sides of the wiper blade, utilizing a compact bridge channel structure to minimize height and maintain aerodynamic efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional wiper arm design is used, then the structure is simple, but the wiper blade cannot maintain consistent contact pressure with the windshield across different arc positions
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper arm incorporates a spring mechanism that dynamically adjusts the contact pressure between the wiper blade and windshield. The spring applies a biasing force that maintains consistent pressure throughout the wiper's arc of motion, compensating for variations in distance and angle. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the pressure system adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the wiper arm by introducing a flexible or adjustable component that modifies the contact force parameter throughout the motion cycle. The spring constant and pre-load can be designed to optimize pressure distribution, transforming the rigid fixed-pressure system into a variable pressure system that maintains optimal contact across different positions.
2Reliability
If the wiper arm applies high contact pressure to ensure good contact, then the wiper blade contacts the windshield well, but it causes excessive noise and accelerated wear
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism enables precise control of the contact pressure parameter, applying only the necessary force to maintain reliable contact. This optimized pressure level is sufficient for effective wiping while minimizing harmful effects such as noise generation and accelerated wear of both the wiper blade and windshield surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring provides continuous, smooth pressure application throughout the wiper's motion, eliminating sudden pressure spikes or drops that could cause noise or uneven wear. The continuous elastic force ensures consistent contact without the need for high peak pressures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid wiper arm structure is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but it cannot adapt to variations in windshield curvature or wear patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The introduction of the spring mechanism transforms the rigid structure into a dynamic system that can adapt to variations in windshield curvature and wear patterns. The spring allows for small adjustments in contact position and pressure distribution, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that remains easy to manufacture.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a wiper arm and a wiper assembly. The wiper arm comprises: a wiper arm holder, which is connected at one end to an output portion of a driving mechanism for the wiper arm, the driving mechanism driving the wiper arm to swing back and forth in a return direction and an outward-swinging direction; an extension arm, which is pivotally connected to the other end of the wiper arm holder; a wiper arm end member, which is located on the side of the wiper arm opposite to the wiper arm holder and configured to hold a wiper blade; and a washer assembly, which sprays a washer fluid to a windshield and comprises at least a first nozzle and a first conduit in fluid communication with the first nozzle, wherein the first nozzle comprises at least one nozzle unit, a first connector for the first conduit, and a bridge channel located between them, the bridge channel being located above the wiper blade and at least partially aligned with a segment of the wiper arm end member that is also located above the wiper blade.