Vibrating Wiper Scrubber for Stubborn Windshield Debris
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield wipers often fail to effectively remove stubborn debris, and aftermarket solutions with motorized scrubbers are complex, expensive, and require significant installation expertise.
Innovation Solution
A windshield wiper system with a reciprocating scrubber assembly that can be easily attached to existing wiper arms, using a motor or turbine to drive a scrubbing member that moves back and forth, allowing for effective debris removal without complex wiring or extensive installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a motorized scrubber is added to improve scrubbing action, then debris removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper system is divided into separate functional modules: the conventional wiper blade for basic clearing and an independent scrubber assembly with its own motor and scrubbing member for enhanced scrubbing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The scrubber assembly is nested within or integrated with the wiper support structure, with the scrubbing member positioned to work in conjunction with the wiper blade. The motor is housed within the support structure, creating a compact integrated unit that adds functionality without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a motorized scrubber is added to improve scrubbing action, then debris removal capability is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper support structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it supports the wiper blade, houses the motor, and provides mounting for the scrubbing member. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and simplifies installation by utilizing existing structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the existing wiper motor and power connection to operate the scrubber, eliminating the need for separate wiring harnesses and power sources. The scrubber is activated through the existing wiper control system, allowing installation without electrical modifications to the vehicle.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a rotary scrubber is used to improve scrubbing action, then debris removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scrubbing member transitions from a static position to dynamic motion through the motor-driven rotation mechanism. This dynamic capability allows the scrubbing surface to actively engage with and remove adhered debris, significantly improving cleaning effectiveness compared to static scrubbers.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If a larger scrubber is used to improve scrubbing action, then debris removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scrubbing member extends beyond the wiper blade in the vertical dimension, creating a larger effective scrubbing surface area. This dimensional extension allows the scrubber to cover more of the windshield surface and tackle larger debris deposits without requiring a proportionally larger motor or support structure.
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
Provides enhanced scrubbing action for hard-to-remove debris with minimal installation effort and cost, using a portable power source or existing vehicle power, and allows for easy replacement of scrubbing members and batteries.
Implementation Method 1
using a motor or turbine to drive a scrubbing member that moves back and forth
Implementation Method 2
A windshield wiper system with a reciprocating scrubber assembly that can be easily attached to existing wiper arms, using a motor or turbine to drive a scrubbing member that moves back and forth
Data Source
AI summary
A scrubber assembly includes a scrubber support structure, a scrubber element and a vibrating 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 element so as to cause the scrubber element to vibrate when the vibrating motor is activated.