Predictive Windshield Wiper Control for Splash Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield-wiper systems face delays in responding to sudden changes in precipitation rates, which can compromise safety as they take several seconds to clear the windshield effectively.
Innovation Solution
A predictive windshield-wiper system that includes a precipitation-detector, a windshield-wiper actuator, and an object-detector, with a controller that adjusts the wiper speed based on detected precipitation and the proximity of objects to anticipate and prepare for impending splashes or changes in precipitation rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a typical rain-sensor is used to detect precipitation and control wiper cycling, then the system can automatically respond to precipitation, but there is a delay-time between sensing and actuating that compromises safety during sudden precipitation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting objects in advance and predicting their trajectories to anticipate where precipitation will fall. The controller pre-positions the wiper blade and pre-adjusts the cycling rate before precipitation actually reaches the windshield, eliminating the delay between sensing and actuating. This is achieved by continuously monitoring object positions and calculating future precipitation zones based on object motion vectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies beforehand cushioning by preparing the wiper system in advance for anticipated precipitation. The controller pre-adjusts the wiper cycling rate to a higher value before precipitation is expected to arrive, creating a buffer that ensures immediate effectiveness when precipitation occurs. This preemptive adjustment compensates for the inherent mechanical response time of the wiper system.
2Productivity
If the wiper cycling rate is increased to clear precipitation faster, then the clearing effectiveness improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by continuously adjusting the wiper cycling rate based on real-time precipitation conditions and predicted future conditions. The controller dynamically modulates the wiper speed - increasing it when precipitation is detected or anticipated, and decreasing it when conditions are clear. This dynamic adjustment optimizes clearing effectiveness while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption during low-precipitation periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by adjusting the wiper cycling rate according to precipitation intensity and object trajectory predictions. The controller modifies operational parameters (cycling rate, blade position) based on detected precipitation conditions and predicted future precipitation zones, achieving optimal clearing performance with minimal energy expenditure by matching wiper activity to actual clearing needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A windshield-wiper system includes a precipitation-detector, a windshield-wiper actuator, an object-detector, and a controller. The precipitation-detector detects precipitation proximate to a host-vehicle. The windshield-wiper actuator clears the precipitation from a windshield of the host-vehicle. The object-detector detects a distance of an object to the host-vehicle. The controller is in communication with the precipitation-detector, the windshield-wiper actuator, and the object-detector. The controller determines when the precipitation is present based on the precipitation-detector, determines the distance from the object to the host-vehicle based on the object-detector, and adjusts a speed of the windshield-wiper actuator when the precipitation is detected and the object is less than a distance-threshold away from the host-vehicle.