Proceedings of the National Conference on
Trends and Advances in Mechanical Engineering,
YMCA University of Science & Technology, Faridabad, Haryana, Oct 19-20, 2012
FACTORS AFFECTING THE AUTOMATIC RAIN SENSING WIPER
SYSTEM
Rahul Sindhwani1, Vasdev Malhotra2
1
Research Scholar, YMCAUST, Faridabad
Asst. Prof. Deptt. of Mechanical Engg., YMCAUST, FBD.
1
rahul.sindhwani2006@gmail.com
2
ABSTRACT
The modern age of automation is broadly defined as replacement of manual efforts by mechanical power in all
degree of automation. While using traditional wiper system, it requires driver’s constant attention in setting the
wiper on or off. Despite this, automatic rain-sensing wiper systems are relatively uncommon in modern vehicles for
a number of reasons [3]. They are often too expensive, too unsightly, or too unreliable to be desired in new
automobiles. This paper elaborates the factors of the automatic rain sensing wiper system.
Keywords: Automatic, Sensor, Mechanism.
1. INTRODUCTION
With drivers exposed to an ever increasing number of distractions, automatic rain-sensing wiper systems become an
even more appealing feature, as they work to minimize the time the driver must take his/her hands off the wheel [5].
These systems detect droplets of rain on the windshield and automatically turn on. A rain sensing wiper consists of a
sensor circuit incorporated with mechanical system for automatic wiping of raindrops during rainfall, thus providing
complete degree of automation [2]. Both rain-sensor and intermittent wipers are significant milestones that
incorporate the windshield wiper as part of an overall design system. These systems were developed with the end
user in mind and were not last-minute considerations [4]. Efficiency of rain sensing wiper system depends on the
different factors.
2. FACTORS AFFECTING THE RAIN SENSING WIPER SYSTEM
2.1. Conveniences
To dispense with troublesome wiper operation needed when rainfall conditions change or when driving conditions
change, including the car speed and entry or exit from tunnels [1].
2.2. Comfort
To operate the wiper with response to changing rainfall and driving conditions, thus keeping the driver’s windshield
clear.
2.3. Installation
The system is easy to install. In the installation process we add one sensor system on the front glass. When sensor
detect water drop late then wiper system is operating. If the installation in not do in proper manner then it may be
not work in right manner [4].
2.4. Failsafe function
It is assured that the wiper operates at 6-second intervals when the drop detection function is disabled because the
sensor is completely blocked by dust, snow, or other matter stuck to the sensor[3].
2.5. System Design
The battery supplies the power to the sensor as well as rain operated motor. Wiper motor is automatically on during
the time of rainfall. The senor is fixed in the vehicle glass. The conductive (Touch) sensor is used in this project. It
senses the rainfall and gives control signal to the control unit [6]. The wiper sweeps the windshield with the help of
a 4-bar linkage using a simple inversion. The motion of wiper is based on double crank mechanism whose working
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Proceedings of the National Conference on
Trends and Advances in Mechanical Engineering,
YMCA University of Science & Technology, Faridabad, Haryana, Oct 19-20, 2012
is quite similar to coupling rod of locomotive. The control unit activates the wiper motor automatically. This
operation is called “Automatic rain operated wiper”.
The control unit activates the wiper motor automatically. This operation is called “Automatic rain operated wiper”.
• As the raindrop falls on touch sensor, it activates a timer which is supplied power through a battery.
• It then activates the relay circuit which gets on or off w.r.t. falling of raindrops.
• Relay circuit then activates D.C. motor which is connected to a linkage mechanism which is further
connected to the wipers.
2.6. SENSORS
Passive sensors detect the reflected or emitted electro-magnetic radiation from natural sources, while active sensors
detect reflected responses from objects which are irradiated from artificially generated energy sources, such as radar
[5]. Each is divided further in to non-scanning and scanning systems. A sensor classified as a combination of
passive, non-scanning and non-imaging method is a type of profile recorder, for example a microwave radiometer
[6]. A sensor classified as passive, non-scanning and imaging method, is a camera, such as an aerial survey camera
or a space camera, for example on board the Russian Cosmos satellite. Sensors classified as a combination of
passive, scanning and imaging are classified further into image plane scanning sensors, such as TV cameras and
solid state scanners, and object plane scanning sensors, such as multi-spectral scanners (optical-mechanical scanner)
and scanning microwave radiometers.
A pair of outer conducting members on the outside of a windshield is separated by a long common insulating
border defining a border resistance in
parallel with a first capacitance. Each of the outer conducting members is
capacitive coupled through a layer of the windshield to an inner conducting member to form coupling capacitances
in series with the combination of the border resistance and first capacitance. The preceding elements form a timing
circuit for an oscillator, the timing circuit having an equivalent capacitance varying with border resistance. When the
water droplets bridge the border of outer conducting members, the border resistance decreases from infinity to
change the equivalent capacitance of the timing circuit and thus the frequency of the oscillator circuit; and this
change is detected to modify wiper operation.
3. CONCLUSION
The rain sensing technology has provided automation over manual wiper control. This techno- logy is not new to
India and needs to be implemented to avoid road accidents and for driver’s comfort. The technology is cheap and
uses simple design and principles and is much reliable as well. The technology meets with some advantages and has
some limitations as well. Steps are being undertaken by various companies to provide complete automation in rain
sensing technology such as automatic speed control of wipers with voice activation. We have to develop an
automatic wiper control system which is improved version of intermittent wiper system. This wiper system reduces
cumbersome wiper operation and improves driver’s level comfort. It will give a new dimension of comfort and aid
to the drivers who work at night and traffic prone areas where they already have to concentrate on brakes and clutch.
The removal of controlling the wipers during rain will provide them much ease and help them concentrate on the
basic ABC (accelerator, brake and clutch) of driving. This system features high accuracy and, high sensitivity. This
paper conclude the factor which affecting the efficiency of automatic rain sensing wiper system.
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