Windshield Wiper Isolation Pads Reduce NVH
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield wiper assemblies face challenges in reducing manufacturing costs while improving noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics, and ensuring effective contact with curved windshields.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a flexible wiping element with pre-curved, resiliently constructed rails and a coupler assembly that distributes force efficiently, along with isolation pads to reduce NVH and airfoil features to minimize wind lift, all manufactured using simplified processes to lower costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional windshield wiper assemblies use traditional blade assembly designs with metal strips, then the wiping function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost is high and NVH characteristics are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive metal reinforcement strips with a disposable-style plastic spline construction. The plastic spline is a cost-effective alternative that achieves the necessary structural function without the high material and manufacturing costs of metal components, directly addressing the contradiction between manufacturing cost and performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining plastic materials with strategic reinforcement elements. The plastic spline works in conjunction with the rubber wiping element and isolation pads to create a composite assembly that achieves superior NVH characteristics while maintaining manufacturing efficiency and reducing overall cost
2Productivity
If the wiper blade is pressed firmly against the windshield, then wiping effectiveness is improved, but noise and vibration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces isolation pads as intermediary elements between the blade assembly and the windshield contact point. These pads act as mediators that allow the blade to maintain firm contact pressure for effective wiping while absorbing and dampening the noise and vibration that would otherwise be generated, thus resolving the contradiction between wiping effectiveness and harmful NVH factors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the contact interface by using compliant plastic spline construction with specific durometer ratings and isolation pad materials. This parameter change allows the system to maintain optimal contact pressure for wiping while reducing the transmission of vibration and noise, effectively decoupling wiping performance from harmful NVH generation
3Area of stationary object
If the wiper element is made rigid to maintain contact with curved windshields, then wiping coverage is improved, but the ability to adapt to varying curvatures decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic plastic spline construction that can change its shape and curvature in response to the windshield surface. The plastic spline is designed with inherent flexibility that allows it to dynamically adapt to various curvature radii while maintaining consistent wiping pressure and coverage, resolving the contradiction between fixed coverage area and adaptability to varying conditions
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
This solution enhances the wiper assembly's performance by reducing chatter, improving wiping action, and lowering manufacturing expenses, while effectively addressing NVH issues and ensuring proper contact with windshields of varying curvatures.
Implementation Method 1
an isolation pad disposed between the adapter and the wiping element. The isolation pad is adapted to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH)
Implementation Method 2
The design incorporates a flexible wiping element with pre-curved, resiliently constructed rails
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2~5
Figure 4
AI summary
A windshield wiper assembly (22) including a wiping element (26) adapted to contact a surface to be wiped. The wiping element (26) includes at least one isolation pad (76, 78) formed thereon and wherein the isolation pad defines a portion of increased lateral width of the wiping element. A coupler assembly (28) includes an adapter (58) with at least one claw (80, 82) that corresponds to the isolation pad (76, 78). The claw (80, 82) has a downwardly extending leg (84) and an inwardly extending retainer portion (86) that cooperates with the isolation pad (76, 78) to interconnect the adapter (58) to the wiping element (26). The interaction of the isolation pad (76, 78) and the claw (80, 82) acts to securely mount the adapter (58) to the wiping element (26) in a cost-effective manner while reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) associated with the operation of the wiper system.