Windshield Wiper Inspection Device Using Optical Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to effectively and transparently assess the condition of windshield wiper blades, particularly under varying weather and lighting conditions, making it difficult to convey the need for replacement to customers.
Innovation Solution
A device with a transparent body that uses light incidence and reflection to visualize the contact area between the wiper blade and the device, where undamaged areas appear dark and damaged areas appear bright, aided by a light source for uniform illumination and a converging lens for magnification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual inspection or feeling the wiper blade is used to check condition, then the inspection process is simple and quick, but the ability to convey the need for replacement to the customer is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical reflection principles where light reflects differently from damaged versus undamaged wiper blade surfaces. The transparent body allows light to pass through and reflect off the wiper blade contact area, creating visible brightness differences that indicate damage locations. This transforms the invisible condition information into visible optical signals that customers can easily understand.
2Measurement precision
If windshield washer system activation is used to check wiper blade condition, then cleaning effect is visible, but the assessment is inaccurate under service station lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparent body as an intermediary optical element between the light source and the wiper blade. This body creates controlled light reflection paths that highlight damage areas regardless of ambient lighting conditions. The intermediary structure ensures consistent optical assessment by directing light specifically through the contact area with the wiper blade, making damage visible independent of service station environmental lighting.
3Measurement precision
If uniform illumination is implemented for damage detection, then damage visibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional light scattering structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific surface characteristics only where needed - the roughened surface is applied only to the light-incidence side of the transparent body, not the entire device. This localized treatment provides uniform light scattering and homogeneous illumination of the wiper blade contact area without requiring complex illumination structures throughout the entire device, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving precise damage detection.
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 quick and clear visualization of wiper blade damage and wear, allowing customers to easily recognize the need for replacement regardless of environmental lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the light-incidence side has a roughened surface that causes diffuse scattering of the incoming light, and in this way permits a very uniform illumination
Implementation Method 2
the device has an artificial light source which is designed to radiate light onto the light-incidence side, in order to produce a uniform illumination
Implementation Method 3
the light-exit side is curved in such a way that it forms a converging lens, particularly a cylindrical converging lens, which acts like a magnifier and furnishes the observer with an enlarged image of the contact point
Implementation Method 4
the light-incidence side is coated with a fluorescent color which, especially in response to illumination with natural or artificial UV-light, generates homogeneous light in a desired wave range
Data Source
AI summary
A device for checking a windshield wiper blade of a motor vehicle, includes an at least partially transparent body having a contact side which is designed for contacting with the windshield wiper blade to be checked; a light-incidence side which is designed to allow light to enter into the body; and a light-exit side. The at least partially transparent body is designed in such a way that light entering the body through the light-incidence side is reflected at least partially at the contact side, and reflected light exits the body through the light-exit side.