Rear Wiper Notification System for Actuator Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle operators often inadvertently leave the rear window wiper activated for extended periods, leading to unnecessary wear and tear on the wiper actuator and blade, due to the lack of timely reminders.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a processor to establish a time duration for the rear window wiper activation and provides a notification on the Driver Information Center (DIC) when the wiper has been active for that duration, with adjustable timers based on the front wiper state, rearview mirror mode, vehicle stationarity, and rainfall conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rear window wiper is left activated for extended periods to ensure adequate cleaning, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the wear and tear on the wiper actuator and blade increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the rear wiper's operational state through the body control module and providing timely notifications to the driver via the driver information center display. This feedback loop enables the driver to understand when the wiper has been active long enough, allowing them to deactivate it at the appropriate moment to balance cleaning effectiveness with component protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by establishing a predetermined time duration threshold and proactively notifying the driver before excessive wear occurs. The notification is triggered when the wiper exceeds the established active duration, prompting the driver to deactivate the wiper in advance of potential damage, thus preventing premature burnout while ensuring adequate cleaning.
2Reliability
If the rear window wiper is activated frequently or for long durations, then the visibility and safety are improved, but the energy consumption and component wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback mechanism tracks the cumulative operational duration of the rear wiper and communicates this information to the driver through the display system. This enables energy-conscious operation by allowing the driver to see when the wiper has been active sufficiently for safety purposes, prompting deactivation to conserve energy and reduce actuator wear.
Solution Approach 2:
By establishing predetermined time thresholds and providing advance notifications, the system enables preliminary deactivation decisions. The driver receives notification before excessive energy consumption occurs, allowing them to turn off the wiper at the optimal moment that balances safety requirements with energy conservation.
3Device complexity
If no notification system is provided, then the system complexity is reduced, but the operator awareness and timely deactivation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces minimal feedback by utilizing the existing driver information center display to show a simple notification when the rear wiper exceeds the predetermined active duration. This feedback provides essential information to the driver without requiring complex additional hardware, maintaining simplicity while improving operator awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification system leverages the existing multi-functional driver information center display, which already serves multiple purposes in the vehicle. By repurposing this existing display for wiper status notification, the system avoids adding dedicated complex hardware while still providing effective information to the operator.
Data Source
AI summary
One general aspect includes a method to provide a rear window wiper notification, the method including: when a rear window wiper is in an active state, via a processor, establishing a time duration; and when the rear window wiper remains in the active state throughout the time duration and after a conclusion of the time duration, via the processor, providing the rear window wiper notification in an interior cabin of a vehicle.