Wiper Attachment Vibration Mechanism for Autonomous Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wiper blade debris removal systems face challenges such as clogged tube-like designs, difficult installation due to powder coating, and the need for manual operation or breaching the vehicle's firewall for power connections, lacking autonomous control and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A system with a flexible top cover for easier wire management, wireless integration, and a vibration mechanism activated by a user input device, including a microcontroller and antenna for autonomous operation, which secures to the wiper arm without breaching the firewall, using a vibration mechanism like a motor or piezoelectric element to remove debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a tube-like design is used for power connection passage, then the structure is compact, but the passage becomes clogged during powder coating process
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple segments including a first housing portion and a second housing portion that can be assembled separately. The power connection passage is formed in the first housing portion before assembly, avoiding the need to drill through powder-coated surfaces during final assembly. This segmentation allows the passage to be created when the material is more workable, then the housing portions are joined together.
Solution Approach 2:
The power connection passage is formed in advance during the housing manufacturing process, before the powder coating is applied. This preliminary action ensures the passage remains open and accessible, eliminating the clogging problem that occurs when passages are created after powder coating.
2Device complexity
If manual operation is required for debris removal, then the system is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A vibration mechanism is incorporated into the device that generates oscillating motion to dislodge debris from the wiper blade. This mechanical vibration automatically removes debris without requiring manual intervention, significantly improving ease of operation while adding only moderate complexity to the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to automatically perform debris removal through its vibration mechanism, making the system self-servicing. The wiper assembly itself generates the vibrations needed to clear its own blade, eliminating the need for external manual intervention and improving operational convenience.
3Reliability
If the firewall is breached for power connection, then electrical connection is achieved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible printed circuit board is used as an intermediary element to establish electrical connections without breaching the firewall. The flexible circuit board can route through existing openings or channels in the firewall structure, providing reliable electrical connectivity while avoiding the need to create new openings or modify the firewall itself.
4Reliability
If powder coating is applied for corrosion protection, then the protective function is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to passage clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple portions that are manufactured and coated separately. The power connection passage is formed in one portion before coating, ensuring the passage remains open. After both portions are powder-coated for corrosion protection, they are assembled together with the passage already formed and accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The power connection passage is formed in advance during housing manufacturing, before powder coating is applied. This preliminary formation of the passage ensures that the powder coating process cannot clog it, as the passage already exists and the coating is applied to the external surfaces and internal cavities that are accessible during the coating process.
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
Simplifies installation and operation, provides autonomous debris removal without breaching the vehicle's firewall, and ensures efficient debris removal from wiper blades, enhancing safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration mechanism configured to be contained in the housing
Implementation Method 2
using a vibration mechanism like a motor or piezoelectric element to remove debris
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to methods and devices for material removal from a wiper. Embodiments included a wiper attached assembly comprising a vibration mechanism configured to dislodge or decouple accumulated debris or residue from a wiper. Power for the vibration mechanism may be supplied from a battery within the wiper attachment assembly or supplied from a vehicle that the system is installed upon. Activation of the present wiper attachment assembly may be manual, autonomous, or a combination thereof. Control inputs may be hardwired into a microcontroller of the wiper attachment assembly or received wirelessly from an input device. Additionally, the present invention discloses material selection and manufacturing considerations of critical components such as the top cover.