Continuous-Rotation Motor Wiper for De-icing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing de-icing and insect cleaning systems for vehicle windows, which rely on electronically-controlled motors, are expensive and not feasible for range entry-level vehicle models, necessitating a cost-effective and efficient solution using continuous-rotation motors.
Innovation Solution
A device employing a continuous-rotation motor with adjustable speed levels, including a very slow speed for de-icing or cleaning, allowing the wiper to linger near the window for effective liquid action, and a liquid spraying system integrated with the wiper for comprehensive coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronically-controlled motors with stepper mode are used for de-icing and insect cleaning, then the de-icing and cleaning effectiveness is improved through precise speed control and liquid action time, but the device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the continuous-rotation motor to operate at variable speeds (high wiping speed, low wiping speed, and very slow speed) rather than fixed speed. This allows the wiper to linger on the window at very slow speed, providing sufficient time for de-icing liquid to act effectively, while maintaining simplicity of the motor structure without electronic control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the continuous-rotation motor by introducing multiple speed levels (high, low, and very slow). This parameter change allows the system to achieve effective de-icing and insect cleaning by controlling the duration of liquid action through speed variation, without requiring complex electronic control systems.
2Ease of operation
If electronically-controlled motors are used for de-icing systems, then the ability to perform successive angular steps with modulated sweep speed is improved, but the cost becomes prohibitive for range entry-level vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive electronically-controlled motors with simple continuous-rotation motors that have no electronic control components. This substitution significantly reduces manufacturing cost, making the de-icing system feasible for range entry-level vehicles, while maintaining adequate functionality through mechanical speed variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the electronic control components from the motor system, retaining only the essential continuous-rotation function. This extraction simplifies the overall system, reduces cost, and eliminates complex control electronics while preserving the core de-icing functionality through liquid spraying and extended contact time.
3Productivity
If the wiper moves at high speed during de-icing, then the productivity is improved, but the liquid action time is insufficient for effective de-icing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by operating the continuous-rotation motor in cycles, alternating between high wiping speed for productivity and very slow speed for liquid action. This periodic variation in speed allows the system to maintain overall productivity while ensuring sufficient liquid action time during the very slow speed phases for effective de-icing and insect cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the wiper speed variable rather than constant. The motor operates at different speed levels (high, low, and very slow) at different phases of the de-icing process, allowing the system to optimize both productivity and liquid action time dynamically without requiring electronic control.
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 effective de-icing and insect cleaning at a lower cost by utilizing a continuous-rotation motor with multiple speed settings and a specific liquid spraying system, ensuring visibility in cold weather and insect removal without the need for expensive electronic controls.
Implementation Method 1
a continuous-rotation motor arranged to rotationally drive said at least one wiper according to at least one first level corresponding to a first, so-called high wiping speed, and a second level corresponding to a second, so-called low wiping speed
Implementation Method 2
a system for spraying a specific liquid, for de-icing or cleaning insects, over the window
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for de-icing and/or cleaning insects off a vehicle window (10) which is designed to perform at least a window wiping function and comprising a continuous-rotation motor (40) designed to drive the rotation of at least one wiper (30) to at least a first level corresponding to a first wiping speed, referred to as high wiping speed (HWS), and a second level at a second wiping speed, referred to as low wiping speed (LWS) and lower than the first, so as to perform the wiping function, and a system for spraying a specific, de-icing or insect-cleaning liquid, onto the window (10) from the said at least one wiper (30), characterized in that the continuous-rotation motor is designed in such a way as to operate at a third speed (CS), lower than the second speed, and in that the device is configured to cause the said wiper (30) to at least descend from the high position (PH) as far as the low position (PB) with the motor (40) operating at the very slow speed (CS) and with the said spraying system activated over at least part of the said descent. The invention also relates to the continuous-rotation motor suited to the device and to a cleaning method using the device.