Interior Windshield Wiper Pivoting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield cleaning devices are often integrated into the windshield and cannot be positioned as needed, and they either clean both interior and exterior surfaces or move laterally along a track without providing a traditional pivoting motion for effective interior cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered windshield cleaning device with a pivoting mechanism, comprising a housing, electric motor, gearbox, wiper arms, and fluid dispenser, which allows for selective engagement with the dashboard and independent cleaning of the interior windshield surface through a pivoting motion and fluid application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If windshield cleaning devices are integrated into the windshield, then they are permanently positioned, but they cannot be positioned as needed or removed when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static integrated installation to a dynamic removable one. The housing includes an engagement member that can selectively engage with the dashboard, allowing the device to be installed and removed as needed. This dynamic engagement mechanism provides positioning flexibility without requiring permanent integration into the windshield structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices clean both interior and exterior surfaces, then they are multi-functional, but they cannot clean the interior surface effectively with traditional pivoting motion
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the cleaning function by providing separate wiper blades for interior and exterior surfaces. The interior wiper blade and exterior wiper blade are distinct components that can operate independently, allowing each to be optimized for its specific cleaning task. The interior wiper blade is specifically designed to work with the pivoting motion mechanism for effective interior surface cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements a pivoting motion mechanism where the wiper arms can rotate about a pivot axis. This dynamic pivoting motion allows the interior wiper blade to effectively contact and clean the interior windshield surface, providing traditional pivoting motion that was previously unavailable in removable devices.
3Device complexity
If devices move laterally along a track, then they have simple motion, but they do not provide traditional pivoting motion for effective interior cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a pivoting mechanism where the wiper arms are connected to the housing through pivot joints. This allows the wiper arms to rotate about a pivot axis, creating the traditional pivoting motion needed for effective interior cleaning. The mechanism maintains relative simplicity while achieving the desired complex motion pattern.
Data Source
AI summary
An interior windshield wiper apparatus for cleaning the interior of an automobile windshield includes a housing with a pair of wiper apertures extending therethrough. An engagement member is coupled to the housing to selectively engage a dashboard of a vehicle adjacent a windshield. An electric motor is coupled within the housing. A gearbox and a wiper linkage are coupled to the electric motor to drive a pair of wiper arms. The wiper arms are pivotably coupled to the housing and extends through the pair of wiper apertures. A pair of wiper blades is coupled to the pair of wiper arms to clean the windshield of the vehicle as the pair of wiper arms pivots. A wiper button is coupled to the housing to activate the movement of the pair of wiper arms.