Windshield Wiper Controller Current Threshold Speed Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Windshield wiper units in electric vehicles consume excessive power, especially when the windshield is dry or at high vehicle speeds, leading to increased battery depletion and faster blade wear, as existing systems lack efficient control mechanisms to manage power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a controller to estimate and measure current consumption, comparing it to predetermined threshold values, and adjust wiping speed to optimize energy savings by switching between wiping modes based on battery depletion and vehicle conditions, including integration with rain sensors to initiate power-saving measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the windshield wiper operates at high wiping speed to clean the windshield effectively, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but the power consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper system dynamically adjusts its operating mode between intermittent and continuous wiping based on real-time detection of windshield wetness conditions. The controller modifies the duty cycle and wiping frequency adaptively, transitioning from high-power continuous operation to lower-power intermittent operation when full cleaning is not required, thereby resolving the contradiction between cleaning efficiency and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (wiping frequency, duty cycle, motor power) based on detected environmental conditions. When the windshield is detected to be dry or only slightly damp, the controller reduces wiping frequency and power output, maintaining adequate cleaning while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to constant high-speed operation.
2Reliability
If the windshield wiper operates continuously to maintain clean windshield, then the visibility is improved, but the battery depletion accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to continuously monitor windshield wetness conditions and provides feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller intelligently determines whether continuous or intermittent wiping is necessary, maintaining adequate visibility while avoiding unnecessary power consumption that would accelerate battery depletion in electric vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of maintaining full continuous wiping operation, the system applies partial action by using intermittent wiping cycles that provide sufficient cleaning for typical environmental conditions. This partial operation maintains acceptable visibility while dramatically reducing power consumption and preserving battery autonomy.
3Productivity
If the windshield wiper operates at high speed to clear water effectively, then the water removal efficiency is improved, but the blade wearing off accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper system dynamically adjusts operating speed and frequency based on actual windshield conditions. During intermittent operation modes, the reduced number of wiping cycles and lower duty cycle significantly decrease mechanical wear on the blades, extending their service life while still maintaining effective water removal during active wiping periods.
4Reliability
If the windshield wiper operates at high power to overcome aerodynamic forces at vehicle speed, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its power output based on detected windshield conditions rather than operating at constant high power. The controller adjusts motor power and wiping frequency to provide sufficient cleaning effectiveness only when needed, reducing power consumption during periods when aerodynamic forces alone are adequate or when intermittent wiping suffices.
Data Source
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AI summary
Invention concerns a method to control power consumption in a windshield wiper unit (1), the windshield wiper unit (1) comprising : - wiper blades (5) configured to wipe the windshield surface (S) when set in motion, - at least one motor (7) configured to set the wiper blades (5) in motion, - a controller (9), configured to control the at least one motor (7) according to a plurality of wiping modes (OFF, INT, HS, LS), the method comprising the steps : - estimating or measuring the current consumption of the at least one motor (7), - comparing the estimated or measured current consumption (I) value to a predetermined threshold value (Imax, I'max), - lowering the wiping speed (W) of the blades (5) in case the estimated or measured current consumption (I) is greater than said threshold value (Imax, I'max).