Windshield Wiper Power Head for Linear Ice-Breaking Motion
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield wipers struggle to effectively remove insects, ice, and debris, especially in extreme weather conditions, leading to wiper ineffectiveness due to freezing issues.
Innovation Solution
A Power Head assembly that converts rotational motion into linear reciprocating motion for windshield wiper blades, allowing them to move perpendicular to the wiper sweep, equipped with a motor, converter, and controller for enhanced debris removal, and featuring wireless control and protective circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional windshield wipers are used, then the wiper structure is simple, but the wiper cannot effectively remove ice and debris in extreme weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade is transformed from a static component to a dynamic one by incorporating a motor-driven reciprocating mechanism. The power head assembly enables the wiper blade to perform linear reciprocating motion in addition to the rotational sweep, creating a multi-directional cleaning action that adapts to remove stubborn debris and ice effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper system is divided into separate functional modules: the conventional rotational wiper mechanism and the new power head assembly with reciprocating motion. This segmentation allows the reciprocating mechanism to be added without completely redesigning the existing wiper system, maintaining simplicity while enhancing capability.
2Reliability
If electrically heated wiper components are used, then ice removal capability is improved, but the system becomes complex and may still freeze in extreme conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The reciprocating linear motion generated by the power head assembly creates mechanical action that physically breaks and removes ice and debris from the windshield. This mechanical approach complements or replaces thermal heating methods, providing effective ice removal through motion rather than heat, thereby reducing system complexity and potential freezing points.
3Productivity
If a power head assembly with motor and converter is added, then wiper blade motion is enhanced for better debris removal, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A converter mechanism serves as an intermediary component that translates the rotational motion of the motor into linear reciprocating motion of the wiper blade. This intermediary element enables the motor to effectively drive the wiper blade in the desired reciprocating pattern without requiring a completely complex direct-drive mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The power head assembly integrates multiple functions into a single unit: the motor provides rotational power, the converter transforms motion type, and the assembly drives the reciprocating wiper blade. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the enhanced capabilities.
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
The Power Head assembly effectively removes ice and debris by enhancing wiper blade motion, ensuring consistent performance in various weather conditions and providing remote control and safety features.
Implementation Method 1
a converter (later referred to as a first converter) coupled to the rotating shaft. driven by the rotating shaft. The converter is configured to convert rotational motion of the shaft to reciprocating linear motion
Data Source
AI summary
A Power Head assembly includes a motor having a rotating shaft and a converter configured to convert rotational motion of the shaft to reciprocating linear motion. The Power Head assembly also includes a weatherproof housing configured to house the motor and an inner portion of the converter. The Power Head assembly also includes a receptacle configured to receive a windshield arm of the vehicle and a fastener configured to attach an outer portion of the converter to a windshield wiper blade directly or indirectly, causing the windshield wiper blade to reciprocate along the windshield wiper blade. The Power Head assembly also includes a controller control the motor of the Power Head assembly.