Patent ID: 8677550
Filing Date: 2014-03-25
Classification: B60S

Abstract:
1. A wiper assembly comprising: a wiper blade having a length and two opposing end portions, the length defining an initial longitudinal axis, wherein the wiper blade is configured to contact an adjacent surface across a substantial portion of the length, and wherein the wiper blade is a frameless wiper blade, the frameless wiper blade including a spine provided along the length of the wiper blade; an active material actuator provided along a portion of the length of the wiper blade and coupled to the spine, the active material actuator configured to impart a degree of motion to a portion of the wiper blade in response to an actuation signal; wherein the degree of motion includes a deflection of each of the two end portions of the wiper blade in a direction away from the adjacent surface, and away from the initial longitudinal axis; wherein the active material actuator includes a shape memory alloy material with a crystallographic phase that is changeable between austenite and martensite in response to the electric actuation signal; and wherein the phase change causes a corresponding expansion or contraction of the shape memory alloy.