Windshield Wiper Blade Triangular Scrubbing Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current windshield wiper designs fail to effectively remove ice, dirt, and insects from windshields, leading to reduced visibility and increased safety risks, as debris often remains despite the sweeping action, necessitating manual cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A dual blade wiper design with a specific scrubbing configuration on the outside surface, featuring triangular, diamond, or hexagon-shaped projections that engage and split debris, ensuring effective removal by leveraging the mechanical action of the wiper arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional windshield wiper designs are used, then the structure is simple, but debris removal effectiveness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade is divided into multiple functional segments: a flexible rubber blade body, support splines, spring splines, end caps, and integrated brush elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall debris removal effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple cleaning functions into a single integrated blade structure: the rubber blade body for sweeping, support splines for structural integrity, spring splines for flexible contact, end caps for fluid distribution, and brush elements for stubborn debris removal. This merging creates a comprehensive solution that addresses various debris types simultaneously.
2Reliability
If conventional sweeping action is used, then the wiper structure is simple, but ice, dirt, and insects remain on the windshield
Solution Approach 1:
The brush elements integrated into the blade body provide mechanical agitation and vibration during the wiping motion, which helps to loosen and remove adhered debris such as ice, insects, and dirt that conventional smooth blades cannot effectively remove through sweeping alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the surface parameters of the blade by incorporating brush elements with different stiffness, length, and material properties. This parameter variation allows the blade to adapt to different debris types and windshield conditions, improving cleaning efficiency across diverse scenarios.
3Reliability
If cleaning fluid is provided from external nozzles, then the system is simple, but fluid is blown away by wind at vehicle speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The end caps serve multiple functions: they seal the blade assembly, provide mounting points for the blade to the wiper arm, and act as fluid distribution nozzles. This multi-functionality integrates fluid delivery directly into the blade structure, ensuring fluid is applied at the optimal location and protected from wind interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The end caps act as intermediaries between the fluid delivery system and the windshield surface. They channel and distribute cleaning fluid directly onto the blade and windshield contact area, mediating the fluid application process to ensure effective coverage despite vehicle motion and wind conditions.
4Reliability
If aerodynamic technology is used to maintain close contact, then the blade adheres well to the windshield, but wind cannot assist in debris removal
Solution Approach 1:
The blade design incorporates local quality variations through the integration of brush elements at specific locations along the blade body. These localized brush sections provide enhanced mechanical action for debris removal while the rest of the blade maintains aerodynamic contact with the windshield, achieving both stable adhesion and effective cleaning in different zones.
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 scrubbing configuration enhances debris removal, improving visibility and safety by effectively splitting and shattering debris, reducing the need for manual cleaning and enhancing the wiper's ability to clear solid and liquid debris at moderate to high vehicle speeds.
Implementation Method 1
The triangular scrubbing configuration functions by engaging and impinging a piece of debris with the tip or point of the triangular configuration. The piercing small radius is followed by the wider section of the triangular configuration, which functions to split and shatter the engaged piece of debris.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention include a windshield wiper comprising preferably of a dual blade design wherein a portion of the outside surface of each blades has a specific scrubbing configuration molded within or attached to outside surfaces of the one or more protruding blade components. The inside surface of each blade protruding component preferably has a smooth finish but for certain applications, may include the specific scrubbing configuration molded within or attached to one or more protruding blade components. The primary embodiment utilizes a plurality of triangular scrubbing configuration the projects from the outside surface of each blade. The triangular scrubbing configuration functions by engaging and impinging a piece of debris with the tip or point of the triangular configuration. The piercing small radius is followed by the wider section of the triangular configuration, which functions to split and shatter the engaged piece of debris. It is contemplated by the Applicant that another plurality of scrubbing-configurations such as a diamond or hexagon shape can be utilized to achieve the advantages of the present Invention. Furthermore, it is also contemplated by the Applicant that different scrubbing configurations can comprise the plurality of scrubbing projections.