Modular Windshield Wiper Lighting for Easy Retrofit Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminated windshield wiper technologies are not easily retrofittable to existing vehicles, lack sufficient size or number of lights, are not modular or adjustable, do not provide a range of aesthetic features, and are not selectively controllable during operation.
Innovation Solution
A modular and adjustable illuminating device for windshield wipers that includes a transparent or translucent protective enclosure with a control box for manual operation, offering various sizes, colors, and configurations, with user-selectable illumination patterns and automatic activation via vehicle ignition or parking lamps, powered by either the vehicle's power supply or a rechargeable battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing illuminated windshield wiper devices are installed, then illumination function is provided, but they are not readily retrofitted to existing vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminated wiper system is divided into separate modular components: illumination means (lights), protective enclosures, fasteners, and control elements. Each component can be independently installed and configured on existing windshield wipers without requiring complete system replacement, thereby enabling easy retrofitting while maintaining functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective enclosure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the illumination means from environmental damage, provides structural support for mounting the light assembly, and can be configured in various shapes including alphanumeric characters for aesthetic customization. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying installation on existing vehicles.
2Quantity of substance
If existing illuminated windshield wiper devices are used, then illumination is provided, but they do not provide sufficient size or plurality of lights
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system uses multiple separate illumination means rather than a single light source. Each illumination means can be individually sized and positioned along the wiper blade, allowing sufficient quantity and distribution of lights without creating an overly complex integrated system. The segmented approach enables flexible configuration to achieve desired illumination coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective enclosures can be configured in various three-dimensional shapes including alphanumeric characters and decorative forms. This dimensional flexibility allows the system to provide both sufficient light quantity and aesthetic features without significantly increasing system complexity, as the same enclosure structure serves both protective and decorative purposes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing illuminated windshield wiper devices are installed, then illumination function is provided, but they are not modular or adjustable to accommodate particular vehicle or user preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with modular illumination means and protective enclosures that can be independently selected, configured, and positioned. Users can choose different numbers, sizes, and arrangements of light components to match specific vehicle types and personal preferences. This modularity allows customization without requiring complex integrated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration where illumination means and protective enclosures can be added, removed, or repositioned based on user preferences and specific application requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables the same basic system to serve multiple vehicle types and aesthetic preferences without increasing inherent system complexity.
4Shape
If existing illuminated windshield wiper devices are used, then illumination is provided, but they do not provide a range of aesthetic features
Solution Approach 1:
The protective enclosure is designed to serve dual purposes: protecting the illumination means from environmental damage and providing aesthetic features including various shapes, sizes, and alphanumeric character configurations. By making the protective structure itself decorative, the system provides range of aesthetic features without adding separate decorative components that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the protective enclosure can be configured with different shapes, sizes, and characteristics to create varied aesthetic effects along the wiper blade. This local customization allows specific aesthetic features to be applied where needed without requiring complete redesign of the entire system, maintaining simplicity while providing aesthetic variety.
5Ease of operation
If existing illuminated windshield wiper devices are installed, then illumination function is provided, but they are not selectively controllable during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminated wiper system is designed to automatically operate in conjunction with the vehicle's existing wiper system. The illumination means activate automatically when the wiper system is engaged, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms. This self-service approach provides selective control tied to actual wiper operation without requiring additional control system complexity.
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
Enhances vehicle visibility and creates a unique visual effect with customizable illumination patterns, ensuring improved safety in dark and wet conditions while being easy to install and use.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination means (20) is preferably a light-emitting diode (LED)
Implementation Method 2
A bottom surface of the enclosure (40) is comprised of an adhesive surface (45) which enables an attachment to the windshield wiper (30)
Data Source
AI summary
A device by which windshield wiper arms on motor vehicles are provided with an illumination source is intended to increase vehicle visibility as well as create a unique visual effect at night. A motor vehicle equipped with the device comprises at least one illumination source or sources interconnected via wiring to a dash-mounted control box which provides a pair of switches to control the illumination of at least one illumination source.