Wiper Washer Delay Control for Frozen Windshield Defrosting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper washer systems require manual operation by the driver to switch between modes, which can be time-consuming and inefficient, especially when defrosting a frozen windshield, and may lead to wiper damage or ineffective defrosting due to freezing of the washing liquid.
Innovation Solution
A wiper washer control apparatus that includes an ignition sensor, shift position sensor, wiper lever detection unit, and a control unit to automatically switch between normal, delay, and spray modes based on driver inputs, simplifying operations and ensuring efficient defrosting by delaying wiper activation relative to washer spraying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wiper operates immediately after washer spraying to clear a frozen windshield, then the defrosting effectiveness is improved, but the wiper may be damaged due to freezing washing liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit delays wiper operation for a predetermined period after washer spraying is activated. This preliminary delay allows the washing liquid to thaw the frozen windshield surface before the wiper blade contacts it, preventing wiper damage from freezing conditions while still achieving effective defrosting.
2Ease of operation
If the driver manually switches between wiper and washer modes, then the operation flexibility is maintained, but the time required for defrosting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically determines when to switch between wiper operation and washer spraying based on detection of frozen conditions on the windshield. This automation eliminates the need for manual driver intervention, allowing the system to optimize the defrosting process and reduce the time required while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Productivity
If the wiper operates on a frozen windshield, then the washing liquid can be effectively removed, but the wiper blade may freeze and become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a predetermined delay period between washer spraying and wiper operation. During this delay, the washing liquid has time to thaw the frozen windshield surface, ensuring that when the wiper operates, it contacts a thawed surface rather than freezing conditions, thus maintaining both clearing efficiency and wiper reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper washer control apparatus includes an ignition sensor, a shift position sensor, a wiper driving unit, a washer spraying unit, a wiper lever detection unit, and a wiper washer control unit. The wiper washer control unit changes a control to be performed by the wiper driving unit to a delay mode when receiving information indicating that the traveling driver is in the started state from the ignition sensor, receiving information indicating that a shift position is in a parking range from the shift position sensor, and receiving information indicating that the delay mode is to be started from the wiper lever detection unit. The wiper washer control unit changes the control to be performed by the wiper driving unit to a spray mode when receiving, in the delay mode, information indicating that the spray mode is to be started from the wiper lever detection unit.