DESIGN AND FEA OF WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS: INTEGRATION INTO CAE COURSES

Abstract

This paper discusses an approach to develop ateam project for a Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)course. The approach addresses mechanism design andfinite element analysis (FEA) of an automotive windshieldwiper system with a snow load protection device. Thepurpose of the course project is to introduce design andanalysis of an actual mechanical assembly. Automotivewindshield wiper systems are used in vehicles to removecontaminants such as rain, sleet, snow, and dirt from thewindshield. A typical wiper system consists of an electricmotor, a linkage mechanism to transform the rotationalmotion from the motor to oscillatory motion and a pair ofwiper arms and blades. In order to meet engineeringspecifications, the design of the wiper linkage system isdiscussed in order to enhance wiping patterns, safety andfunctional performance.Index Terms ⎯ CAE, FEA, Wiper systems, Stress