Windscreen Wiper Spoiler Dynamic Profile Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen wiper devices for vehicles with curved windshields suffer from a lifting effect at high speeds due to aerodynamic pressure differences, requiring complex machinery and separate wiper blades with asymmetric spoilers for each side, leading to incorrect mounting and reduced wiping quality.
Innovation Solution
A windscreen wiper device with a movable spoiler that changes from a symmetric to an asymmetric profile in response to wind load, allowing a single wiper blade design to fit both driver and passenger sides without complex tools, using deformable materials or hingeable mechanisms to ensure correct positioning and improved wiping performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wiper blade with an asymmetric spoiler is designed for each side (driver side and passenger side), then the wiping quality at high speeds is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler is designed to change its configuration dynamically in response to wind load. At rest or low speeds, the spoiler maintains a symmetric first configuration that allows universal mounting. When wind load exceeds a threshold at high speeds, the spoiler automatically transitions to an asymmetric second configuration that optimizes aerodynamic performance and wiping quality for the specific mounting side.
Solution Approach 2:
The spoiler's geometric parameters (shape, orientation, angle of attack) are changed based on operating conditions. The transition between configurations alters the spoiler's effective angle relative to the windstream, transforming it from a symmetric air-deflecting shape to an asymmetric shape that directs airflow appropriately for either driver-side or passenger-side mounting, thereby resolving the contradiction between universal compatibility and side-specific performance.
2Reliability
If separate wiper blades with asymmetric spoilers are manufactured for each side, then the aerodynamic performance is improved, but the manufacturing costs and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal wiper blade design with a configurable spoiler serves both driver-side and passenger-side applications. The spoiler can be manufactured in a neutral symmetric state and then configured into the appropriate asymmetric orientation after mounting, eliminating the need to manufacture and store separate blade variants for each side while maintaining optimal aerodynamic performance for both configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spoiler is pre-designed with the capability to assume multiple configurations, but the actual asymmetric configuration is performed after mounting based on the specific application side. This preliminary preparation of the spoiler's structural capability, combined with post-mounting configuration, reduces manufacturing complexity while preserving aerodynamic performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a symmetric spoiler is used, then the wiper blade can be mounted on both sides, but the wiping quality at high speeds deteriorates due to lifting effect
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler transitions from a static symmetric design to a dynamic configurable design. Initially mounted in a symmetric first configuration that provides mounting flexibility, the spoiler is then adjusted to an asymmetric second configuration that addresses the lifting effect at high speeds by directing airflow to reduce pressure differential, thereby maintaining both versatility and wiping quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spoiler is configured to preemptively counteract the lifting effect that occurs at high speeds. By adjusting the spoiler's asymmetric angle after mounting, the design pre-establishes the correct aerodynamic counter-force before the vehicle reaches high speeds, preventing the lifting effect from deteriorating wiping quality while retaining the benefit of universal mounting capability.
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 solution ensures correct mounting and maintains wiping quality at high speeds by adapting the spoiler's shape to wind conditions, eliminating the need for complex machinery and reducing storage requirements with a single wiper blade design for both sides.
Implementation Method 1
in the presence of a wind load thereon
Implementation Method 2
the spoiler is made of a material deformable in the presence/absence of a wind load thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes at least one longitudinal groove, in which groove a longitudinal strip of the carrier element is disposed, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating wiper arm, as well as a spoiler, characterized in that the spoiler is movable from a first position, wherein the spoiler has an symmetric profile, seen in cross-section of the wiper blade, in the absence of a wind load thereon, into a second position, wherein the spoiler has a asymmetric profile, seen in cross-section of the wiper blade, in the presence of a wind load thereon.