Investigation of Wiper Blade Squeal Noise Reduction Measures

As automobiles become quieter, wiper operation noise becomes more noticeable. Squeal noise is one type of wiper operation noise. It is a high-frequency self-excited vibration that is easily generated before and after the wiper reverses direction.

In analyzing this vibration, squeal noise was observed using a rotary disk system. Then FEM was applied to deduce an equation of motion that reflects the observation results. The equation suggests material and configuration approaches toward reducing squeal noise.

Potential measures include improvement in the blade damping coefficient, reduction in the coefficient of friction by surface treatment, and an increase in neck thickness, etc. Implementation of these measures reduced squeal noise.