Reciprocating Wiper Scrubber for Stubborn Windshield Debris
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield wipers often fail to effectively remove stubborn debris and require complex installation and costly motor replacements, leading to increased expenses and technical expertise for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A windshield wiper system featuring a scrubber assembly with a reciprocating scrubbing member driven by a motor, which converts rotary motion into linear motion for enhanced cleaning without the need for extensive electrical wiring or complex installation, using a linkage mechanism and a portable power source for ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor-powered rotary scrubber is used to improve scrubbing action, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scrubber is divided into modular components: a reusable motor assembly and replaceable scrubbing elements ( pads or brushes). This segmentation allows the complex motorized component to be separated from the consumable scrubbing elements, simplifying the overall system architecture and enabling easy replacement of wear parts without replacing the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the motion parameter from continuous rotary motion to reciprocating linear motion. This is achieved through a mechanism that converts motor rotation into back-and-forth movement of the scrubbing element, providing effective cleaning while simplifying the support structure and reducing the size of the motor required.
2Reliability
If a motor-powered rotary scrubber is used to improve scrubbing action, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scrubber assembly is segmented into pre-assembled modules (motor unit and scrubbing element unit) that can be independently replaced. This allows technicians to quickly swap out worn scrubbing pads or brushes without handling electrical connections or disassembling the motor, significantly reducing installation and maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The scrubbing elements (pads or brushes) are designed as disposable or easily replaceable components with limited service life. Once worn, they are replaced without replacing the expensive motorized assembly, reducing both material costs and installation time for maintenance operations.
3Reliability
If a motor-powered rotary scrubber is used to improve scrubbing action, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the scrubber size becomes larger than the wiper blade
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the motion pattern from rotary to reciprocating linear motion. This allows the use of a smaller motor with lower torque requirements, since linear reciprocating motion can be achieved with less rotational force. The reduced motor size enables the scrubber to remain comparable in size to the wiper blade.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of expanding the scrubber in the rotational dimension (larger diameter for more scrubbing force), the invention uses reciprocating motion along the length of the wiper blade. This dimensional shift allows effective cleaning action without increasing the overall footprint or width of the scrubber assembly.
4Reliability
If a motor-powered rotary scrubber is used to improve scrubbing action, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but foreign matter is flipped up onto another portion of the windshield
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using rotary motion that can fling debris outward, the invention uses reciprocating linear motion that pushes debris consistently in one direction (forward along the windshield). This inverted motion approach eliminates the centrifugal effect that causes debris redistribution, while still providing effective scrubbing force.
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
The system provides effective scrubbing action for hard-to-remove debris with minimal installation effort and reduced costs, allowing for easy replacement of scrubbing members and power sources, enhancing driver visibility without requiring extensive technical expertise.
Implementation Method 1
a reciprocating scrubbing member driven by a motor, which converts rotary motion into linear motion for enhanced cleaning
Data Source
AI summary
A scrubber assembly includes a scrubber support structure, an elongated scrubber element and a motor. The scrubber support structure is configured to attach to a windshield wiper. The scrubber element is movably attached to the scrubber support structure and extends between a first end and a spaced apart second end along a central longitudinal axis. The motor is mounted to the scrubber support structure and is engaged with the scrubber element to reciprocally move the scrubber element along the central longitudinal axis. A portable power source mounted to the scrubber support structure may provide power to the motor.