I.
Introduction
1. Role of the windshield wiper:
Windshield wipers are an essential component of transportation vehicles,
especially automobiles. They are responsible for cleaning the windshield surface
from rainwater, dirt, or snow. Their primary roles include:
• Ensuring clear visibility for drivers during adverse weather conditions.
• Enhancing safety while driving.
2. History of development:
• 1903: Mary Anderson invented the first manually operated windshield wiper.
• 1920s: Electrically operated automatic windshield wipers were developed.
• Present day: Modern windshield wiper systems incorporate advanced features
like rain sensors, intelligent wiping modes, and automatic speed adjustments.
3. Research objectives:
• Understanding the structure and operating principles of windshield wipers.
• Classifying windshield wipers based on design and control methods.
• Investigating programming techniques to control wiper operations.
II. Structure and Operating Principles
1. Detailed Structure:
a. Main components:
• Wiper blade: The part that comes into direct contact with the windshield,
usually made of rubber or silicone.
• Wiper arm: Connects the wiper blade to the transmission mechanism.
• Electric motor: Provides rotational motion to drive the wipers.
• Linkage system: A combination of gears and linkages that converts rotational
motion into a back-and-forth motion.
• Control module: Manages speed and wiping modes as per user or sensor input.
b. Materials used:
• Wiper blade: Synthetic rubber or silicone.
• Wiper arm: Stainless steel or aluminum alloy for durability and corrosion
resistance.
• Electric motor: Metal alloys (housing) and copper (windings).
• Linkage system: Steel or high-grade engineering plastics.
2. Operating Principles:
a. Motor operation:
• The electric motor operates based on the rotating magnetic field principle,
creating rotational motion in the main shaft.
b. Transmission mechanism:
• The motor’s rotational motion is transmitted through gears and linkages,
converting it into the back-and-forth movement of the wiper arm.
c. Control mechanism:
• The control module receives signals from the driver or sensors (if available) and
activates the motor accordingly.
• Modes of operation include:
• Continuous wiping.
• Intermittent wiping.
• Automatic wiping when rain is detected by the rain sensor.
d. Operation code (example):
import time
def wiper_control(mode):
if mode == "continuous":
while True:
activate_wiper()
time.sleep(1) # Delay for continuous operation
elif mode == "intermittent":
while True:
activate_wiper()
time.sleep(5) # Delay for intermittent operation
elif mode == "automatic":
while True:
if detect_rain(): # Signal from rain sensor
activate_wiper()
time.sleep(1)
def activate_wiper():
print("Wiper activated")
def detect_rain():
# Simulated rain detection logic
return True
# Example usage
wiper_control("intermittent")
3. Classification:
a. By structure:
• Single wiper: A single blade design (commonly used in buses).
• Dual wipers: Two parallel wipers (commonly used in cars).
• Triple wipers: Used in specialized vehicles like trains or airplanes.
b. By control method:
• Manual control: The driver adjusts the wiping mode manually.
• Automatic control: Adjusts based on input from a rain sensor.
• Intelligent control: Integrates AI to optimize performance based on the
environment and weather conditions.
