Trapezoidal Wiper Blade Dynamics for Snow Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield wiping devices experience issues with streaks and fogging during fast driving and struggle to effectively remove snow, leading to increased forces and reduced field of vision due to the formation of snow wedges.
Innovation Solution
A windshield wiping device with a trapezoidal cross-section wiper blade that features a bendable upper and lower part connected by spaced-apart elements, reducing wind attack surface and incorporating acute angled edges or projections to act as a knife for efficient snow removal, and allowing for cavities to transport snow away.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional wiper blade design is used, then the structure is simple, but the wiper blade loses contact with the window during fast driving causing streaks and fogging
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade incorporates a flexible lower part that can dynamically adapt its shape during operation. The blade transitions from a rigid structure to a flexible one that can bend and deform to maintain contact with the curved windshield surface, especially under high-speed conditions where aerodynamic forces act on the blade.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade's physical parameters are changed by introducing flexibility through the lower part design. The blade's ability to bend allows it to adjust its contact pressure and conform to the windshield curvature, changing from a fixed-geometry structure to one that can modify its shape during operation.
2Productivity
If a traditional wiper blade is used, then manufacturing is simple, but snow accumulates forming a snow wedge that increases forces and reduces visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade is segmented into an upper part and a lower part with different properties. The lower part is designed to be flexible and bendable, allowing it to conform to the windshield surface and effectively scrape snow, while the upper part maintains structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the blade have different qualities: the upper part is more rigid for structural support, while the lower part is flexible for effective snow contact and removal. This local differentiation of properties optimizes snow removal performance.
3Reliability
If a traditional rectangular wiper blade is used, then the structure is straightforward, but wind attack creates lifting forces that cause streaking during fast driving
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible lower part of the blade can dynamically respond to aerodynamic forces during fast driving. Instead of being rigid and susceptible to wind lift, the blade can bend and deform to maintain contact with the windshield, adapting to the changing aerodynamic conditions.
4Productivity
If the wiper blade has a uniform cross-section, then manufacturing is simple, but it cannot effectively remove snow due to lack of knife-like edge
Solution Approach 1:
The blade's cross-section is not uniform but varies along its length, with the lower part having a specific geometry that creates a knife-like edge for effective snow cutting. This local geometric optimization improves snow removal while the overall structure remains manufacturable.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a windshield wiper device (50, 70) for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle. The windshield wiper device comprises a wiper blade (51, 71) with an elongated upper part (52, 72) which is designed to be at least partly flexible, an elongated lower part (53, 73) which is designed to be at least partly flexible, and multiple connection elements (18) for connecting the upper part (52, 72) and the lower part (53, 73). The connection elements (18) are mutually spaced along a longitudinal extension (8) of the wiper blade (51, 71), and the connection elements (18) are designed to allow the upper part (52, 72) and the lower part (53, 73) to move relative to each other with a movement component along a longitudinal extension (8) of the wiper blade (51, 71), a cross-section of the wiper blade (51, 71) perpendicular to the longitudinal extension (8) of the wiper blade being substantially trapezoidal.