Supplementary Wiper Prevents A-Pillar Water Spill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield wiper systems often direct rainwater towards A-pillars, causing it to pool and spill onto side windows, obstructing the driver's view and generating drafting and wind noise, which negatively impacts aerodynamics.
Innovation Solution
A wiper system with a supplementary wiper that swings from a resting position to an extended position adjacent to A-pillars, forming a water column with the windshield to prevent water from reaching the side windows, eliminating the need for channels between the windshield and A-pillars, and improving aerodynamics by allowing A-pillars to be flush with the windshield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a groove or channel is formed between the windshield and A-pillar to direct rainwater, then water can be directed away from the side window, but this generates drafting and wind noise that impacts aerodynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the groove or channel structure between the windshield and A-pillar entirely. Instead of modifying the A-pillar with a groove, the system uses a supplementary wiper to actively manage water, extracting the harmful channel structure that caused aerodynamic issues while solving the water diversion problem through a different mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical water guidance system (groove/channel) with an active mechanical system (supplementary wiper). The wiper uses a sweeping motion to actively push water away from the A-pillar area, substituting the static groove structure with a dynamic water management approach that doesn't compromise aerodynamics.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a groove or channel is formed to direct rainwater, then water flow can be controlled, but this compromises the aerodynamics of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful groove structure is completely removed from the design. The A-pillar area is restored to a smooth, continuous surface that maintains proper aerodynamics, while the water control function is transferred to the supplementary wiper system that operates independently of the body structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static water guidance structure (groove) to a dynamic water management system (moving wiper). The supplementary wiper activates only when needed to manage water, allowing the A-pillar area to maintain its aerodynamic shape at all times while providing water control functionality on demand.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a supplementary wiper is added to prevent water from reaching side windows, then water control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper system is divided into two independent components: the primary wiper for the windshield and the supplementary wiper for water management near the A-pillar. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the supplementary wiper being a simpler, dedicated device rather than a complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplementary wiper is designed to be self-contained with its own drive mechanism, pivot points, and blade assembly. It operates independently using its own motor and control system, eliminating the need for complex integration with the primary wiper system while achieving effective water management.
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper system for a vehicle is provided. The wiper system includes a driving assembly. The wiper system further includes a supplementary wiper having a first end that is coupled to a first pivot point of the driving assembly. When the wiper system is activated, the driving assembly is configured to swing the supplementary wiper about the first pivot point from a resting position to an extended position. The supplementary wiper is configured to be statically disposed at the extended position to prevent water from passing over one of two A-pillars of the vehicle to a side window of the vehicle. When the wiper system is deactivated, the driving assembly is configured to stow the supplementary wiper back from the extended position to the resting position.