Elastomeric Wiper Blade With Integrated Fluid Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior windscreen wiper devices are ineffective during 'spray cycles' when the windscreen is covered with dirt, such as insects, as they fail to clean the windscreen adequately, especially when the driver sprays water and the wiper activates.
Innovation Solution
A windscreen wiper device made entirely of elastomeric material, with a central groove and obliquely extending holes for a cleaning fluid channel, allowing uniform fluid distribution and expansion compensation for frost, and a spoiler for improved wiping efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If cleaning fluid channels are made with separate constructional elements (spraying nozzles, different material channels), then fluid distribution can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and the structure becomes more vulnerable to damage and chemical degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cleaning fluid channel directly into the wiper blade structure by creating a longitudinal groove or slit within the elastomeric material itself, eliminating the need for separate constructional elements like spraying nozzles or channels made of different materials. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining cleaning fluid distribution functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material of the wiper blade serves multiple functions: it provides the wiping surface, contains the cleaning fluid channel, and compensates for thermal expansion. The single material structure performs both structural support and fluid containment roles, reducing the need for additional components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid channels are used for cleaning fluid, then structural stability is maintained, but the channels cannot compensate for frost expansion and are sensitive to creep and chemical degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to elastomeric, allowing the channel to deform elastically in response to frost expansion. The elastomeric material's ability to stretch and return to its original shape enables it to accommodate volume changes from frozen water without structural damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses elastomeric material that combines the properties of flexibility and chemical resistance. This material provides both the necessary mechanical compliance to handle frost expansion and the chemical stability to resist degradation from cleaning fluids.
3Productivity
If cleaning fluid is sprayed at high pressure, then fluid reaches the windscreen effectively, but fluid usage increases and visibility during spray cycle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates localized spray outlets (holes) positioned close to the windscreen surface, allowing fluid to be delivered effectively at low pressure. The oblique angle of the holes directs fluid precisely where needed, achieving effective cleaning without requiring high pressure that would waste fluid and reduce visibility.
4Ease of operation
If holes are positioned far from the windscreen, then fluid distribution is easier, but the time between spraying and wiping increases, reducing visibility during spray cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the spray holes in a different spatial dimension - very close to the windscreen surface rather than at a distance. This dimensional change allows fluid to be delivered directly to the target area, eliminating the time delay associated with fluid travel through air and improving visibility during the spray cycle.
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 solution ensures effective windscreen cleaning during 'spray cycles' with reduced fluid usage and improved visibility, even at high speeds, by uniformly spreading cleaning fluid and reducing the time between spraying and wiping.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomeric material around said cleaning fluid channel may easily compensate an expansion in volume of frozen water inside said cleaning fluid channel
Implementation Method 2
said holes extend obliquely in downward direction from said cleaning fluid channel to the outside, i.e. enclosing a sharp angle with the horizontal, has the advantage that the cleaning fluid is uniformly spread over a windscreen to be wiped
Data Source
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AI summary
A windscreen wiper device (1) of the flat blade type comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade (2) of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade (2) includes one central groove (3), in which groove (3) a longitudinal strip (4) of the carrier element is disposed, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device (6) for an oscillating arm (7), wherein said oscillating arm (7) can be pivotally connected to said connecting device (6) about a pivot axis near one end, and wherein said wiper blade (2) includes a wiping lip (9) at a side of said central groove (3) facing towards a windscreen to be wiped, with the special feature that said wiper blade (2) is made in one piece of elastomeric material, wherein said wiper blade (2) comprises at least one longitudinal cleaning fluid channel (10), as well as several holes (11) spaced apart along at least a portion of a length of said wiper blade (2), and wherein said holes (11) extend obliquely in downward direction from said cleaning fluid channel (10) to the outside for spraying cleaning fluid from said cleaning fluid channel (10) through said holes (11) onto a windscreen to be wiped.