Windshield Wiper Motor Control via Position-Based Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen wiper motor control methods are complex, requiring sophisticated electronic components and heavy calculations, which can lead to operational errors and reduced motor lifetime, especially in safety-critical applications like aeronautics, and fail to efficiently manage acceleration and deceleration stages to minimize mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A method that adjusts the power supply to the windscreen wiper motor based on its angular position using multiple distinct control laws during acceleration and deceleration phases, allowing for continuous speed profiles and minimizing acceleration variations, thereby reducing mechanical stress and extending motor lifetime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex electronic components and heavy calculations are used to control the wiper motor, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity and operational error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control method segments the wiper blade's motion trajectory into multiple discrete position intervals. Each interval has predetermined acceleration and deceleration parameters stored in memory. The control unit selects appropriate parameters based on the current position interval, replacing complex real-time calculations with simple parameter lookup and selection, thereby reducing electronic component complexity while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Acceleration and deceleration parameters for different position intervals are predetermined and stored in memory before operation. When the wiper motor operates, the control unit simply retrieves pre-calculated parameters based on the current position interval, avoiding complex real-time computations. This preliminary preparation of control data simplifies the electronic control system while ensuring precise control.
2Productivity
If the wiper motor operates frequently, then the productivity is improved, but the mechanical stress and motor lifetime are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The control method dynamically adjusts acceleration and deceleration parameters based on the wiper blade's position interval. By optimizing the timing and magnitude of acceleration/deceleration for each specific position range, the system minimizes mechanical shocks and stress on the motor and transmission components. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows frequent operation while reducing cumulative mechanical fatigue, thereby extending motor lifetime.
3Device complexity
If simple electronic components are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision and operational safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The control method segments the motion trajectory into discrete position intervals with predetermined parameters. This segmentation allows simple electronic components to effectively control the motor by selecting from pre-defined parameter sets rather than performing complex real-time calculations. The segmentation approach maintains control precision while enabling the use of simpler, more reliable electronic components with fewer failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the wiper blade's position and uses this feedback to select appropriate acceleration and deceleration parameters from memory. This feedback mechanism ensures that the motor operates safely within mechanical limits while using simple electronic components. The position-based feedback loop maintains operational safety without requiring complex computational hardware.
4Strength
If acceleration and deceleration stages are optimized, then the mechanical stress is reduced, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control method segments the acceleration and deceleration processes into distinct phases corresponding to different position intervals. Each segment has optimized parameters stored in memory that minimize mechanical stress for that specific range. This segmentation allows complex stress optimization to be achieved through simple parameter selection rather than complex real-time control, reducing both mechanical stress and control system complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling the electric motor (71) of a windshield wiper, comprising an output shaft (72) which can rotate in two directions of rotation between two final angular positions and is coupled to a wiper blade (74). In said method, the power supply to the motor is adjusted by an electronic control unit (1) in order to follow an acceleration stage and a deceleration stage between a starting position and the target position in which the output shaft changes the direction of rotation. The disclosed method is characterized in that the power supply to the motor is adjusted according to at least two separate control laws along at least two successive sections of travel of the wiper during at least one of the acceleration and deceleration stages. The invention also relates to a windshield wiper motor control device for carrying out said method.