Intermittent Wiper Control via Switch Actuation Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional intermittent windshield wiper systems require users to estimate and adjust the wiper blade repetition rate through a rotary dial, leading to driver distraction and increased complexity, as they often need to iteratively position the dial to achieve the desired rate, which can be hazardous and costly.

Innovation Solution

A user interface utilizing a single momentary contact switch allows users to select and adjust the wiper blade repetition rate by actuating and re-actuating the switch, with the time period between actuations determining the rate, simplifying the process and reducing driver distraction, and incorporating a timer for automatic operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotary dial with multiple contacts is used to select repetition rate, then the user can select different repetition rates, but the user cannot precisely know the selected repetition rate and must use trial-and-error adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepetition rate selectionVSAvoidrepetition rate precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides immediate feedback to the user by displaying the exact repetition rate that will be executed when a dial position is selected. This allows the user to see the precise repetition rate before confirming the selection, eliminating the trial-and-error process and enabling accurate repetition rate selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If a rotary dial is used for selecting repetition rate, then multiple repetition rates can be selected, but the user must iteratively position the dial which distracts the driver from other driving tasks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepetition rate selectionVSAvoiddriver distraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and displaying the exact repetition rate that will result from selecting a particular dial position. This allows the driver to make an informed selection in a single action without needing to iteratively adjust the dial, reducing distraction and improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a rotary dial with multiple contacts is used, then intermittent wiper operation can be controlled, but the complexity and cost of the wiper assembly user interface increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintermittent wiper operationVSAvoiduser interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a microprocessor as an intermediary to simplify the user interface. Instead of requiring a complex mechanical dial with multiple contacts, the microprocessor interprets the position of a simple dial and converts it into the appropriate control signals for the wiper motor, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical dial-with-multiple-contacts system with an electronic solution using a microprocessor and simple position sensing. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and contact points while maintaining the ability to control intermittent wiper operation across multiple repetition rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7423399B2Apparatus, and associated method, for controlling the repetition rate of an intermittent windshield wiper

Publication Date: 2008.09.09 ENT SERVICES DEV CORP LP

AI summary

Apparatus, and associated method, for controlling intermittent operation of a windshield wiper assembly. A user interface, formed of a pair of momentary contact switches, is used to set the repetition rate of intermittent operation of a wiper blade and, subsequently, when desired, to terminate the intermittent operation. A first of the switches is actuated two times, with the time period separating the actuations defining the repetition rate of the wiper blade when in the intermittent mode of operation.