Windshield Wiper System Design

The passenger car windshield wiper system design is very dependent upon the vehicle styling. As such, wiper systems are continually being revised or redesigned to accommodate new styling themes and incorporate engineering improvements. The design process is discussed from the initial feasibility phase to the final production release of detailed drawings. Since the application of computers to wiper design has been covered in other articles, the classical approach with little computer usage is emphasized. The various possible system configurations are reviewed in addition to a general discussion of the wipe pattern design, the linkage design, and the considerations for recessed or concealed wiper parking.