Self-Cleaning Wiper Blade System with Impact Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield wiper systems are inefficient when debris such as sleet, ice, or snow accumulates, requiring drivers to stop and manually remove it, which can be hazardous and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A self-cleaning wiper blade system with U-shaped housings and elongated lever arms electrically coupled to a power source, featuring a lifting mechanism with solenoids and helical springs that pivot the wiper blades outward to discharge debris, allowing for automatic cleaning without driver intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning of wiper blades is required to remove sleet, ice, or snow, then the wiper blade can be cleaned, but driver safety is compromised and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the wiper blade to clean itself automatically through a mechanical lifting mechanism that pivots the blade outward to discharge accumulated debris, eliminating the need for manual driver intervention and allowing continuous operation during inclement weather
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by automatically removing sleet, ice, or snow accumulation before it significantly impairs wiper blade functionality, preventing visibility issues before they arise and maintaining optimal wiping efficiency
2Stability of the object's composition
If the wiper blade continues to operate with frozen mass accumulation, then the wiper assembly remains intact, but wiping efficiency is severely reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic cleaning cycles where the wiper blade is automatically lifted and snapped back to discharge accumulated debris at regular intervals or when accumulation is detected, maintaining consistent wiping efficiency without compromising structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic movement to the normally static wiper blade by implementing a lifting mechanism that pivots the blade between resting and stressed positions, creating impact forces that automatically discharge frozen mass and restore optimal performance
3Reliability
If drivers stop to manually clean wiper blades, then debris is removed, but travel time increases and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic cleaning system eliminates the need for driver intervention by self-cleaning the wiper blade through mechanical pivoting and impact forces, allowing drivers to maintain focus on the road without stopping or exiting the vehicle
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous windshield clearing capability by automatically maintaining wiper blade functionality through periodic debris discharge, eliminating interruptions to travel and maintaining unimpaired visibility throughout operation
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
Enables continuous windshield clearing during operation, enhancing driver safety and reducing travel interruptions by maintaining visibility and focusing on the road.
Implementation Method 1
A lifting mechanism is provided including a solenoid having a coil defining a magnetic force
Implementation Method 2
a spring having opposed end portions connected to the housing and the lever arm respectively
Implementation Method 3
The lifting mechanism effectively generates an impact force as the wiper blades are snapped back to the resting position
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a plurality of wiper blades including U-shaped housings and elongated lever arms having lower end portions connected thereto respectively. The housings are secured to a lower portion of the windshield and electrically coupled to an internal power supply source. A hand-operable switch is disposed within the vehicle and operably connected to the power supply source and the housings respectively. The system further includes a mechanism electrically coupled to the switch for lifting the wiper blades about the respective housing, effectively generating an impact force as the wiper blades are snapped back to the resting position after being pivoted to a stressed position so that debris and frozen elements will advantageously discharge from the wiper blades during operating conditions.