Windshield Wiper Control System Linear Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield wiper systems fail to effectively clean the upper areas of windshields due to their arc motion not aligning with the linear shape of the windshield's top edge, leading to unwiped regions that obstruct the driver's view, and existing solutions are complex and costly with multiple motors and actuators.
Innovation Solution
A windshield wiper control system utilizing a movable element with actuation devices and a rotatable cam to move windshield wipers in a more linear motion parallel to the top edge of the windshield, reducing unwiped areas using a single motor and cam system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional arc motion wiper systems are used, then the wiper mechanism is simple, but the upper area of the windshield remains unwiped, obstructing the driver's view
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper arm is designed with dynamic motion characteristics, transitioning from simple arc motion to a more complex path that includes initial upward movement followed by arc motion. This dynamic adjustment of the wiper arm's trajectory allows it to adapt to the windshield's geometry, effectively covering the upper area while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple motors and actuators are used to address unwiped areas, then the wiped area increases, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single wiper arm is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the primary arc motion for cleaning the main windshield area and simultaneously performs an initial upward movement to cover the upper area. This multi-functionality allows a single actuator to achieve comprehensive coverage that would otherwise require multiple motors and actuators, thereby reducing system complexity and cost.
3Device complexity
If a single motor and cam system is used, then the system complexity is reduced, but achieving linear motion parallel to the top edge is more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cam profile is designed with an asymmetric geometry that is specifically tailored to convert the rotational motion of the single motor into the desired linear motion of the wiper arm parallel to the top edge of the windshield. This asymmetric cam design allows the system to achieve the complex linear motion trajectory using a simple single-motor actuation system, avoiding the need for multiple actuators while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A windshield wiper control system (100) includes a movable element (102) configured to move in a first direction (105) and an opposing second direction (106) and one or more actuation devices (108) configured to cause the movable element (102) to move in the first direction (105). The windshield wiper control system (100) also includes a rotatable cam (110) configured to cause the movable element (102) to move in the opposing second direction (106) when the rotatable cam (110) contacts a stationary surface (112) as the rotatable cam (110) rotates about a cam axis (114) and a wiper mechanism (118) configured to move in the first and second directions (105, 106) and pivot in an arc motion (126) responsive to the rotation of the rotatable cam (110). The wiper mechanism (118) is further configured to cause the one or more windshield wipers (120) to move across a surface of a windshield (104) in a more linear motion than the arc motion (126) of the wiper mechanism (118).