Linear Wiper Device for Complete Windshield Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wiper devices for vehicles and stationary windows suffer from incomplete coverage, dependence on vehicle speed, wind noise, and snow bead formation at end positions, which hinder effective cleaning and increase air resistance.

Innovation Solution

A wiper device with a drive section that enables linear movement along the longitudinal extent of the viewing means, allowing for complete cleaning with a single wiper that can pivot and adjust orientation to align parallel to the flow or change direction to remove debris, and a telescopic design for complex geometries, ensuring stable guidance and efficient snow removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conventional rotary wiper devices are used, then the wiper can cover a certain area, but the coverage is incomplete and snow beads form at end positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiping surface coverageVSAvoidcomplete cleaning performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional rotary motion concept by using linear reciprocating motion for the wiper. Instead of rotating around a fixed pivot point, the wiper moves back and forth in a straight line along the drive section, which eliminates the end-position snow bead problem and achieves complete surface coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The wiper device incorporates a telescopic wiper blade with variable length that can adapt during operation. The wiper blade extends and retracts dynamically during the reciprocating motion, allowing it to maintain optimal contact with the surface being wiped and cover the entire area including corners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If conventional wiper devices are used, then the structure is relatively simple, but the dependence on vehicle speed is high and wind noise is strong

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiper mechanism structureVSAvoidwind noise and air resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting from rotary to linear motion, the wiper operates more efficiently at lower speeds and is less affected by vehicle speed variations. The linear reciprocating motion creates less turbulence and wind noise compared to high-speed rotary motion, reducing the harmful aerodynamic effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If a single wiper is used to increase productivity, then the wiping speed increases, but the coverage area is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiping speedVSAvoidwiping surface area
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic wiper blade dynamically changes its length during operation, extending to cover larger areas and retracting during certain phases of the reciprocating motion. This dynamic adaptation allows a single wiper to effectively cover the entire surface area while maintaining high wiping speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds the dimension of variable length to the wiper blade, transforming it from a fixed-length component to a dynamically adjustable one. This dimensional change enables the single wiper to cover areas that would traditionally require multiple fixed-length wipers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of operation

If the wiper is moved perpendicular to the viewing means extent, then the conventional wiping pattern is maintained, but complete coverage is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiper movement patternVSAvoidwiping surface coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional perpendicular motion pattern by moving the wiper parallel to the extent of the viewing means. This linear reciprocating motion along the length of the windshield allows the wiper to cover the entire surface area, including areas that would be missed by perpendicular motion patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3096987B1Wiper system and method for wiping
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 HESS FELIX
  • EP3096987B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3096987B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3096987B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a wiper device (1) and a method for wiping. The wiper device (1) according to the invention essentially allows the surface, which is to be wiped, to be completely wiped. It further allows the wiping power to be maintained high even at high speeds, at the same time avoiding loud aerodynamically induced noise and reducing the aerodynamic drag of vehicles. The wiper device (1) according to the invention further allows material to be removed, in particular snow, to be removed very efficiently.