Designing a windshield wiper system that effectively cleans a windshield is not an easy task given the
constraints. The combination of different blade lengths, durometeres, low and uneven pressures, and varying
windshield contours combine to make this a complicated material and dynamics problem. Knowing the force
distribution between the windshield and the blade at various positons along blade length provides key
insight into how to improve performance.
Tekscan developed a 0.1 mm high, flexible polyester sensor strip containing 100 individual force sensors arrayed
along it’s length. The accompanying electronics, calibration fixtures and software are sensitive, flexible and
portable enough to measure the windshield to wiper blade interface profile under various conditions.
Force output measured - wiper blade at a 30° angle on windshield
Output displayed graphically - Force vs. Distance across sensor rows
Applications
Measure blade performance
Identify uneven pressures
Before and after adjustment comparison
Reliability testing
Design verification testing
Benefits
Improve design
Eliminate need to build costly fixtures formerly user to model windscreens
Competitive benchmark
Typical sensors used in this application
Visit our Sensor Catalog to browse our sensors.
