Winter Wiper System with Impact Actuator for Ice Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle window wiper systems fail to effectively clear ice and snow accumulation in winter conditions, leading to reduced visibility and safety hazards, as drivers must exit the vehicle to manually remove the buildup, which is inconvenient and physically challenging, especially for elderly drivers.
Innovation Solution
A windshield wiper system with a selectively displaceable wiper arm and actuator, allowing the wiper blade to be raised and then impacted to remove ice and snow without leaving the vehicle, using a cable and leaf spring mechanism or rotary actuator, enabling remote operation from inside the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wiper blade remains in the operating position on the window, then it can clear the window effectively, but ice and snow accumulate on the wiper assembly during parking in winter conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by raising the wiper assembly to a non-contact position before ice and snow accumulation becomes problematic. The controller automatically raises the wiper arm during parking in winter conditions, preventing ice and snow from adhering to the wiper blade and assembly, thereby maintaining wiper effectiveness without requiring manual intervention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the driver exits the vehicle to remove ice and snow from the wiper assembly, then the buildup is dislodged, but the driver faces safety hazards and physical strain especially in subfreezing temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting ice and snow accumulation on the wiper assembly and initiating the removal process without driver intervention. The controller monitors conditions and automatically activates the heating element or actuator to remove ice and snow, eliminating the need for the driver to exit the vehicle and manually clear the wipers, thereby ensuring driver safety and convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual mechanical action of the driver shaking or slamming the wiper blades with an automated mechanism. An actuator (such as a motor or solenoid) automatically displaces the wiper arm to strike the windshield or activates a heating element to melt ice, substituting the dangerous manual mechanical process with a controlled automated system that eliminates driver exposure to hazardous conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the wiper blade is repeatedly slammed against the windshield to remove ice and snow, then the buildup is removed, but the process must be repeated multiple times and causes wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces repeated manual slamming actions with a single automated mechanical strike or thermal process. The actuator is designed to deliver one controlled impact at the optimal moment, or the heating element continuously melts the ice, eliminating the need for multiple repeated actions and significantly reducing the time required to clear the wiper assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect when ice and snow has been successfully removed from the wiper assembly, preventing unnecessary repeated actions. Sensors monitor the condition of the wiper blade and windshield contact, and the controller adjusts the actuation sequence accordingly, ensuring ice and snow removal is achieved in a single optimized cycle rather than through multiple trial attempts.
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 safe and convenient removal of ice and snow from the wiper assembly, reducing the risk of accidents and physical strain, while maintaining wiper effectiveness and preventing re-accumulation during winter weather.
Implementation Method 1
That leaf spring provides a force for biasing the wiper arm toward the operating position
Implementation Method 2
In another embodiment, it is a solenoid
Implementation Method 3
increases the biasing force with which the wiper blade is subsequently brought into engagement with the vehicle window thereby producing an impact to remove accumulated ice and snow from the wiper assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A window wiper system is provided for enhanced performance in winter weather conditions. The wiper system includes a wiper assembly having a wiper base, a wiper arm pivotally connected to the wiper base and wiper blade carried on the wiper arm. An actuator carried on the wiper assembly selectively displaces the wiper arm between an operating position wherein the wiper blade engages and sweeps the vehicle window and a raised position wherein the wiper blade is lifted from the vehicle window. When the wiper blade is displaced from the raised position to the operating position it impacts the window with sufficient force to remove any accumulated ice from the wiper assembly without damaging the assembly or the window.