Integrated Wiper Arm Washer Layout for Blind Spot Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wiper assemblies create a blind spot and waste washing liquid when used together, posing safety risks and inefficiencies in windshield cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A compact wiper arm design with a washer assembly integrated into the wiper arm, featuring a nozzle system that sprays cleaning fluid directly onto the windshield alongside the wiper blade, reducing the need for redesign and minimizing waste, while allowing for adjustable fluid direction and air passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the washer system is separated from the rain wiper system and hidden below the front hood, then the structural complexity is reduced, but it causes blind spots for the driver and wastes washing liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the washer system and rain wiper system into a single integrated wiper arm assembly. The nozzle is mounted on the wiper arm itself, allowing the washing function to be performed at the same location as the wiping function, eliminating the need for a separate hidden washer system below the front hood.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the washer nozzle from a horizontal location below the front hood to a vertical location on the wiper arm. This spatial reconfiguration allows the nozzle to spray washing liquid directly onto the windshield in the path of the wiper blade, eliminating blind spots while maintaining compact integration.
2Area of stationary object
If the washing liquid is sprayed onto the entire surface of the windshield, then the cleaning coverage is improved, but it causes unnecessary waste of the washing liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directs the nozzle to spray washing liquid locally at the specific location where the wiper blade is currently working on the windshield. This localized spraying approach ensures that washing liquid is applied only to the area being cleaned, avoiding waste on already cleaned or unused portions of the windshield.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle sprays washing liquid onto the windshield just before the wiper blade arrives at that location. This preliminary application of washing liquid ensures optimal cleaning effectiveness while minimizing the total amount of liquid needed, as each portion of the windshield receives washing liquid only once just prior to wiping.
3Productivity
If the bridge channel is located between the wiper arm end member and the wiper blade, then the fluid delivery is optimized, but it increases the height dimension of the wiper arm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the bridge channel within the wiper arm end member structure itself. The channel is positioned above the wiper blade and aligned with the segment of the end member above the blade, allowing the fluid delivery pathway to be integrated into the existing structural volume rather than adding external height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the bridge channel from a vertical location between the end member and blade to a horizontal alignment above the blade. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the channel to deliver fluid efficiently while maintaining a compact vertical profile of the wiper arm assembly.
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
Enhances driving safety by reducing blind spots and optimizing washing liquid usage, maintaining a compact and cost-effective structure without altering existing components.
Implementation Method 1
a first conduit in fluid communication with the first nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper arm and assembly are disclosed. The wiper arm has a wiper arm holder, connected at one end to an output portion of a driving mechanism for the wiper arm that drives the wiper arm to swing back and forth in an outward-swinging direction, an extension arm pivotally connected to the other end of the wiper arm holder, a wiper arm end member located on the side of the wiper arm opposite to the wiper arm holder and configured to hold a wiper blade, and a washer assembly having at least a first nozzle, and a first conduit in fluid communication with the first nozzle. The first nozzle includes a nozzle unit, a first connector for the first conduit, and a bridge channel located between them, above the blade. The bridge channel is partially aligned with a segment of the wiper arm end member that is located above the blade.