Snow/ice cleaning tool and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow and ice cleaning tools for vehicle windshields are inefficient and unsafe, particularly when trying to reach and maneuver windshield wipers, leading to potential loss of balance on slippery terrain and incomplete ice removal, which can hinder wiper functionality.
Innovation Solution
A snow/ice cleaning tool with an elongated handle and a C-shaped grasping device that allows for controlled raising and lowering of wiper arms from either side of the vehicle, enabling safe and ergonomic cleaning, including ice removal from wiper blades, without requiring users to lean against the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user reaches and maneuvers the wipers manually, then the wipers can be moved to rest position, but the user may lose balance on slippery terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tool with a grasping device that engages with the wiper arm. This mediator allows the user to manipulate the wiper from a safe distance without directly reaching toward the vehicle, thus maintaining operational capability while eliminating the safety hazard of losing balance on slippery terrain.
2Ease of operation
If the user extends their body to reach the wipers, then the wipers can be grasped and maneuvered, but the user gets wet from moisture on the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The tool acts as an intermediary that extends the user's reach capability without requiring physical proximity to the vehicle surface. The grasping device engages with the wiper arm, allowing the user to manipulate it from a position that avoids contact with moisture on the vehicle body.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool extends the operational dimension by adding length to the user's reach. Instead of the user's body needing to extend toward the vehicle (horizontal dimension), the tool provides an extended reach along the same dimension, keeping the user's body in a safe, dry position.
3Productivity
If snow and ice are left on the windshield, then cleaning can be completed quickly, but ice buildup inhibits wiper effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The tool enables preliminary clearing of snow and ice from the windshield and wiper areas before the user completes the cleaning process. By moving the wiper to rest position and clearing the area in advance, the tool ensures that ice buildup does not later inhibit wiper effectiveness, while still allowing efficient completion of the overall cleaning task.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a snow/ice cleaning tool for removing snow or ice or a combination of such from a vehicle windshield for also rotating the wiper arms to a rest position for cleaning and returning the wiper arms to a working position in contact with the windshield. The cleaning tool has an elongated handle having one or more working ends incorporating snow/ice cleaning devices. Connected to the handle and slanting away from the handle axis is a grasping device with an opening therein for grasping the wiper arms. The present invention allows for the user to lift and lower the wiper arms from either side of the vehicle in a manner that is safe and ergonomic, regardless of the direction in which the wiper arms pivot.