Wiper Device Rubber Deformation Prevention via Ignition-Controlled Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wiper blade rubber undergoes plastic deformation when a vehicle is not in use, leading to power wastage from the vehicle's battery as existing solutions require motor operation without engine power.
Innovation Solution
A wiper device with a control unit that adjusts the wiper blade's position based on the ignition switch's state, using the wiper motor to swing the blade within a specific range, thereby changing the pressure on the rubber and utilizing alternator-generated power to prevent deformation without battery drain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wiper blade is moved to different stopping positions to suppress plastic deformation of the blade rubber, then the reliability of the wiper blade is improved, but the vehicle battery power is wasted due to motor operation without engine power
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit operates the wiper motor periodically based on ignition switch operations (ON/OFF cycles) to swing the wiper blade between different stopping positions (first stopping position and second stopping position). This periodic action prevents continuous pressing of the blade rubber against the front windshield, suppressing plastic deformation while utilizing alternator-generated power during engine operation periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the vehicle's existing ignition switch operations and alternator-generated power to automatically swing the wiper blade to different positions. The control unit detects ignition switch state changes and autonomously controls the wiper motor to change stopping positions, making the system self-regulating without requiring separate power management input from the user.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the wiper blade remains stationary at a fixed stopping position, then the vehicle battery power is conserved, but the blade rubber undergoes plastic deformation due to continuous pressing against the front windshield
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the wiper blade's stopping position based on ignition switch operations. Instead of maintaining a fixed stationary position, the control unit alternates between a first stopping position and a second stopping position (located above the first), creating a dynamic system that adapts to engine operation states while preventing rubber deformation.
3Reliability
If the wiper motor operates to change the stopping position of the wiper blade, then the plastic deformation of the blade rubber is suppressed, but the power from the vehicle alternator is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs partial action by swinging the wiper blade only within a specific range between two stopping positions rather than continuous movement. This limited oscillation between the first stopping position and the second stopping position (above it) is sufficient to prevent rubber deformation while minimizing alternator power consumption during engine operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper device is provided that suppresses plastic deformation of a blade rubber of a wiper blade without wasting power of a battery installed to a vehicle. A wiper device is equipped with wiper blades that wipe a vehicle front glass, a wiper motor that swings the wiper blades in alternating between an upper turn position and a lower turn position by accompanied rotation of the output shaft, and a control unit that controls the wiper motor. In a case of the vehicle ignition switch being ON or OFF, the control unit controls the wiper motor such that from a stopped position where the wiper blades are located, the wiper blades are swung in a specific range of between a first stopping position and a second stopping position, and then stopped.