Vehicle Wiper Blade Resistive Heating for Cold Weather
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wiper blades with liquid projection ramps can experience freezing of washing liquid at low temperatures, leading to blocked projection and stiffening of the wiper blade structure, which compromises the flexibility of 'flexible broom' technology.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of resistive heating elements, such as heating films or wires, into the wiper blade structure to maintain the washing liquid in a liquid phase, ensuring the wiper blade's functionality and flexibility by heating the liquid and structural elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If washing liquid is stored in spray ramps at low temperatures, then the wiper blade can perform washing function, but the washing liquid freezes and blocks the projection function while stiffening the wiper blade structure
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is activated before the washing liquid can freeze, preventing ice formation in the spray ramps. This preliminary heating action maintains the liquid state of the washing liquid and preserves the flexibility of the wiper blade structure, ensuring both washing and projection functions remain reliable in cold conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature of the washing liquid is changed from below freezing to above freezing by applying heat through the heating element. This parameter change prevents phase transition from liquid to solid, maintaining the projection function and structural flexibility while preserving the washing capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If washing liquid is stored in spray ramps at low temperatures, then the wiper blade can perform washing function, but the washing liquid freezes and contributes to stiffening the entire structure of the wiper blade
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is activated before the washing liquid can freeze, preventing ice formation in the spray ramps. This preliminary heating action maintains the liquid state of the washing liquid and preserves the flexibility of the wiper blade structure, ensuring both washing and projection functions remain reliable in cold conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature of the washing liquid is changed from below freezing to above freezing by applying heat through the heating element. This parameter change prevents phase transition from liquid to solid, maintaining the projection function and structural flexibility while preserving the washing capability
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
Restores the sprinkling function and flexibility of the wiper blade by keeping the washing liquid above freezing temperatures, preventing structural stiffening and maintaining the wiper blade's mechanical strength and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
said heating means comprise at least one resistive heating film arranged on at least one of said structural elements
Implementation Method 2
The advantage of this solution is to benefit from good heat propagation towards the spray ramp or ramps due to the metallic nature of the stiffening rod
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2a
Figure 2b~3a
AI summary
Vehicle window wiper blade, comprising structural elements consisting of at least: - a longitudinal support (10), - a stiffening rod (20) disposed in a housing (11) of said support (10), - a wiping blade (30) fixed to said support (10), - an accessory (40) comprising at least one ramp (42a, 42b) for projecting a washing liquid, said accessory (40) being assembled to said support (10), characterized in that said wiper blade further comprises means (60; 60a, 60b) for heating said washing liquid, said heating means comprising at least one heating resistive wire (60; 60a; 60b) incorporated in said accessory.