Dual-Element Wiper Heating for Blade and Holder Deicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper heating devices do not independently heat both the wiper blade and the wiper blade holder, nor do they provide different heating modes for various areas of the wiper blade, and they lack a solar-powered electrical system for charging a battery.
Innovation Solution
A wiper heating device with embedded blade and holder heating elements, powered by a battery, and a control switch for selective heating modes, including a solar panel for charging the battery, allowing independent heating of the wiper blade and blade holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single heating element is used for the wiper blade, then the structure is simple, but it cannot independently heat both the wiper blade and holder
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into two independent heating elements: a blade heating element embedded in the wiper blade and a holder heating element embedded in the blade holder. This segmentation allows independent heating of different components, enabling versatile heating coverage while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple heating modes are added for different areas, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control switch is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be rotated or moved between different positions to select among multiple heating modes (blade only, holder only, or both). This dynamic control mechanism provides operational flexibility for different heating scenarios while keeping the interface intuitive and easy to operate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a battery-powered system is used for portability, then the independence is improved, but the energy source requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical system merges multiple components into an integrated power package: a rechargeable battery provides portable power, a solar panel serves as a charging source, and a voltage regulator manages power distribution. This combination of components working together achieves power independence while consolidating the electrical system into a cohesive unit that reduces overall complexity.
4Shape
If embedded heating elements are used, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are constructed as flexible thin films or wires that can be conformally embedded within the blade and holder structures. This flexible construction allows the heating elements to adapt to the contours of the wiper components, maintaining smooth surface appearance while reducing the precision requirements for embedding, as the flexible nature of the heating elements accommodates slight variations in placement.
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
Enables efficient melting of snow and ice on both the wiper blade and holder, with customizable heating modes and a sustainable power source, improving operational flexibility and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a blade heating element embedded within and extends throughout the wiper blade, the blade heating element selectively heating the wiper blade
Implementation Method 2
a holder heating element embedded within and extends throughout the blade holder, the holder heating element selectively heating the blade holder
Implementation Method 3
an electrical system for powering the wiper blade heater which uses a solar panel to electrically charge a battery
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper heating device for selectively heating a wiper blade and wiper blade holder to melt snow and ice that has built up on each includes a wiper assembly comprising a wiper blade, a blade holder, and an arm. A blade heating element is embedded within and extends throughout the wiper blade, the blade heating element selectively heating the wiper blade. A holder heating element is embedded within and extends throughout the blade holder, the holder heating element selectively heating the blade holder. Each of the blade heating element and the holder heating element are electrically powered by a battery.