Wiper Blade Hydrophobic Coating to Prevent Silicone Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrophobic glass treatments for windshields are labor-intensive, toxic, and impractical for application during rain or snow, and coated wiper blades experience rapid degradation and absorption of water-repelling components into silicone rubber, leading to short-lasting hydrophobicity and irregular coatings.
Innovation Solution
A coating composition featuring a quaternary ammonium chloride silane dispersible in polar or non-polar solvents, combined with graphite powder, which is non-absorbable into silicone rubber wiper blades, maintaining the water-repelling capability and stability for extended periods, even after storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hydrophobic glass treatments are applied to windshields, then water repellency is achieved, but the application becomes labor-intensive and requires toxic chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade insert itself serves as the application mechanism, transferring hydrophobic coating components from its surface to the windshield through normal wiper operation. The system self-applies the coating during regular use without requiring separate application equipment or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper blade insert acts as an intermediary carrier, holding hydrophobic coating components on its surface and transferring them to the windshield. This mediator approach eliminates the need for direct application of toxic chemicals while achieving the same hydrophobic effect.
2Reliability
If wiper blade inserts are coated with hydrophobic components, then water repellency is transferred to the windshield, but the coating components are rapidly absorbed into the silicone rubber wiper blade material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the coating composition by selecting specific hydrophobic components with controlled molecular weights and chemical structures that have reduced affinity for silicone rubber. This parameter change prevents rapid absorption while maintaining effective hydrophobic transfer to the windshield.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite coating system combining multiple hydrophobic components (silicone oils, fluoropolymers, waxes) with complementary properties. This composite approach creates a multi-layered protective effect that reduces individual component absorption into the wiper blade material.
3Productivity
If wiper blades are used to mechanically clear water and snow from windshields, then water displacement is achieved, but a thin film of water remains that impairs vision and promotes adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two functions into a single system: the mechanical clearing function of the wiper blade and the hydrophobic coating transfer function. The wiper blade simultaneously performs water/snow displacement and applies a hydrophobic film that prevents water film formation, thereby maintaining vision clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic coating transfer occurs continuously during normal wiper operation, maintaining a persistent hydrophobic film on the windshield. This continuous action ensures that water repellency is constantly renewed, preventing water film formation and maintaining vision clarity over extended periods.
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
The coating composition effectively imparts a hydrophobic film to windshields with a water contact angle of at least 60°, maintaining performance for over 100,000 wiper blade cycles and showing robustness against abrasion and storage degradation, while preventing absorption into the wiper blade material.
Implementation Method 1
during operation of the wiper blade components of the coating layer are imparted onto a contacting windshield through the friction of the wiper blade insert against the windshield
Implementation Method 2
a coating composition for imparting a hydrophobic film to a target surface that includes an oil of a silicone oil or a fluoropolymer oil or a combination thereof, a resin, and a dry lubricant
Data Source
AI summary
A coating composition for imparting a hydrophobic film on a target surface is provided that includes a quaternary ammonium silane salt, a solvent, and a solid lubricant. The composition is stable and able to impart a hydrophobic film even after storage for several weeks at elevated temperature. The composition is non-absorbable or non-penetrative into an elastomeric applicator onto which the water repellant (WR) coating is applied, preserving the capability of transferring the WR ingredients of the coating from the wiper blade insert to a windshield on which the wiper blade insert is operated, even after the coated wiper blade insert has been aged for an extended period of time in storage. A wiper blade insert is also provided having the above composition applied and instructions for the securement of the wiper blade to a vehicle to impart the hydrophobic film to a vehicle windshield contacted by the wiper blade insert.