Windscreen wiper design & engineering

For this client project our team was tasked with designing windshield wiper(s) for an electric tricycle. The primary challenge was that the windscreen had an odd shape and very unique design parameters.

Very early on I had an idea for how we could make it work despite the shape and curve of the windscreen. It took the talents of a team with different backgrounds and skills to get from idea to prototyping to 2D and 3D modelling. My solution was to use 2 separate arms to ensure that the wiper stayed horizontal while wiping across the windshield. Through the prototyping process, we realised it could rotate slightly to match the shape of the windshield even better. I created a simple cardboard prototype as a proof of concept to show my team.

From this point it was just a matter of working out the details: how exactly where we going to make it work, what parts where we going to use, how could we wipe the maximum area and how could we maximise visibility for the driver.

I learned a lot from this project with regards to teamwork, planning and coordination - not only within our group but with the client as well. In the end, I was able to fully model the mechanism, from the motor to multiple arms and rotating system. The project allowed me to get more practical experience with 3D modelling in Solid Works and continue with my 2D graphics work as well as video production and editing.