Patent Description:
Aircraft windshield wiper systems are used to wipe and clean water or other debris from an aircraft windshield, allowing better visibility out the windshield for both the pilot and co-pilot. Traditionally, the rotation, sweep limits, and parking positions of the wipers are achieved by controlling the angular position of the wiper output shaft which is attached to an end of each wiper of the windshield wiper system. Software is used to control the angular position of the wiper output shaft through an actuator. The accuracy of the sweep angle and parking positioned depends on how precisely the wipers are assembled to the actuator and how precisely the wiper system is installed on an aircraft. Therefore, the theoretical position of the wiper blade may not represent the actual position of the wiper blade due to improper installation of components, degradation of components, and/or external forces causing the actual position of the wiper blade to vary from the theoretical position. <CIT> relates to an electric motor to be used for a wiper device of a vehicle such as an automobile.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a windshield wiper system for use on a windshield of an aircraft is provided as claimed in claim <NUM>. The windshield wiper system includes a wiper, an actuator, a trigger, and a sensor. The wiper includes a wiper arm and a wiper blade coupled to a first end of the wiper arm. The actuator includes a body and an output shaft, the output shaft is coupled to a second end of the wiper arm, and the actuator is configured to rotate the output shaft to sweep the wiper arm and wiper blade in an arc across the windshield of the aircraft. The trigger is coupled to the output shaft of the actuator, and the trigger is configured to rotate with the output shaft. The sensor is coupled to the body of the actuator, and the sensor is configured to detect a magnetic field produced by the trigger.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of operating a windshield wiper system for use on a windshield of an aircraft is provided as claimed in claim <NUM>. The method includes transferring, by a controller, a command signal to an electrically coupled actuator to control rotation of an output shaft of the actuator. Rotating, by the actuator, the output shaft in an oscillatory motion. Detecting, by a sensor, a magnetic field produced by a trigger coupled to the rotating output shaft. Transferring, by the sensor, a feedback signal to the electrically coupled controller indicating the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the sensor. The magnitude of the magnetic field is indicative of a position of a wiper arm and a wiper blade coupled to the output shaft.

<FIG> is a side view of windshield wiper system <NUM> on windshield <NUM> of aircraft <NUM> (<FIG> is a front view of windshield wiper system <NUM> on windshield <NUM> of aircraft <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic block diagram of windshield wiper system <NUM>. <FIG> will be discussed together. Further, hereinafter windshield wiper system <NUM> will be referred to as WWS <NUM>. WWS <NUM> includes wiper <NUM>, output shaft <NUM>, actuator <NUM>, gear reduction <NUM>, controller <NUM>, trigger <NUM>, and sensor <NUM>. WWS <NUM> is installed on windshield <NUM> of aircraft <NUM> and WWS <NUM> is configured to clear windshield <NUM> of rain or other debris.

Wiper <NUM> includes wiper arm <NUM> and wiper blade <NUM>. Wiper arm <NUM> includes first end 30A positioned at a distal end of wiper arm <NUM> and second end 30B positioned at an opposite distal end of wiper <NUM> as first end 30A. Wiper blade <NUM> is coupled to first end 30A of wiper arm <NUM> through a standard connection, such as a threaded or clamping connection. Wiper arm <NUM> and wiper blade <NUM> can each be constructed from a polymer, a metal, or partially from a polymer and partially from a metal. Wiper arm <NUM> is coupled to output shaft <NUM> at second end 30B of wiper arm <NUM> through a standard connection, such as a threaded or clamping connection. Output shaft <NUM> extends through a body portion of aircraft <NUM> adjacent windshield <NUM>, but not through windshield <NUM>. Output shaft <NUM> is configured to rotate about its central axis, providing rotational energy to second end 30B of wiper arm <NUM>, which in turn forces wiper <NUM> to traverse across windshield <NUM> in a sweeping motion.

Actuator <NUM> is coupled to output shaft <NUM> within the body portion of aircraft <NUM>. Actuator <NUM> is configured to provide rotational energy to output shaft <NUM>, rotating output shaft <NUM> about its central axis. The rotation of output shaft <NUM> forces wiper <NUM> to traverse across windshield <NUM> in a sweeping motion, therefore actuator <NUM> provides the energy necessary to drive motion of wiper <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, actuator <NUM> is a brushless direct current motor. In another embodiment, actuator <NUM> can be a brushed direct current motor or any other motor configured to provide rotational energy to output shaft <NUM>. Further, actuator <NUM> is a bi-directional motor that can operate in both directions, allowing output shaft <NUM>, wiper arm <NUM>, and wiper blade <NUM> to travel across windshield <NUM> in both directions. Actuator <NUM> is coupled to output shaft <NUM> through gear reduction <NUM>, in which gear reduction <NUM> is positioned between output shaft <NUM> and actuator <NUM>. In other words, gear reduction <NUM> is positioned within the body of aircraft <NUM>, coupled at one end to output shaft <NUM>, and coupled at the other end to actuator <NUM>. Gear reduction <NUM> has a large gear ratio (greater than <NUM>:<NUM>), meaning that many rotations of actuator <NUM> causes only a few degrees of rotation of wiper <NUM>. Gear reduction <NUM> is configured to provide precise angular rotation of wiper <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, output shaft <NUM>, actuator <NUM>, and gear reduction <NUM> are shown as separate components. In another embodiment, gear reduction <NUM> can be integral with actuator <NUM> such that actuator <NUM>, gear reduction <NUM>, and output shaft <NUM> are a single assembly.

In the example shown, controller <NUM> includes processor(s) <NUM>, memory <NUM>, and communication device(s) <NUM>. However, in certain examples, controller <NUM> can include more or fewer components than components <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Processor(s) <NUM>, in one example, are configured to implement functionality and/or process instructions for execution within controller <NUM>. For instance, processor(s) <NUM> can be capable of processing instructions stored in memory <NUM>. Examples of processor(s) <NUM> can include any one or more of a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry.

Memory <NUM> can be configured to store information within controller <NUM> during operation of WWS <NUM>. Memory <NUM>, in some examples, is described as computer-readable storage media. In some examples, a computer-readable storage medium can include a non-transitory medium. The term "non-transitory" can indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium can store data that can, over time, change (e.g., in RAM or cache). In some examples, memory <NUM> is a temporary memory, meaning that a primary purpose of memory <NUM> is not long-term storage. Memory <NUM>, in some examples, is described as volatile memory, meaning that memory <NUM> does not maintain stored contents when power to controller <NUM> is turned off. Examples of volatile memories can include random access memories (RAM), dynamic random-access memories (DRAM), static random-access memories (SRAM), and other forms of volatile memories. In some examples, memory <NUM> is used to store program instructions for execution by processor(s) <NUM>. Memory <NUM>, in one example, is used by software or applications running on controller <NUM> (e.g., a software program implementing a system architecture) to temporarily store information during program execution. Memory <NUM>, in some examples, also includes one or more computer-readable storage media. Memory <NUM> can be configured to store larger amounts of information than volatile memory. Memory <NUM> can further be configured for long-term storage of information. In some examples, memory <NUM> includes non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements can include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, floppy discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memories.

Controller <NUM>, in some examples, also includes communication device(s) <NUM>. Controller <NUM>, in one example, utilizes communication device(s) <NUM> to communicate with external devices via one or more networks, such as one or more wireless or wired networks or both. Communication device(s) <NUM> can be a network interface card, such as an Ethernet card, an optical transceiver, a radio frequency transceiver, or any other type of device that can send and receive information. Other examples of such network interfaces can include Bluetooth, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and Wi-Fi radio computing devices as well as Universal Serial Bus (USB).

Controller <NUM> is positioned within the body portion of aircraft <NUM> and controller <NUM> is electrically coupled to actuator <NUM> and electrically coupled to sensor <NUM>. Controller <NUM> can be electrically coupled to each component through electrical wires or a wireless connection to send and receive signals from actuator <NUM> and sensor <NUM>. More specifically, controller <NUM> is electrically coupled to actuator <NUM> through a wired or wireless connection and controller <NUM> is configured to send signals to actuator <NUM> to control operation of actuator <NUM>. As such, controller <NUM> can send electrical signals to and receive electrical signals from actuator <NUM> to control rotation of output shaft <NUM> of actuator <NUM>. Controller <NUM> is also electrically coupled to sensor <NUM> through a wired or wireless connection and controller <NUM> is configured to send signals to and receive signals from sensor <NUM>, discussed in detail below.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of actuator <NUM>, trigger <NUM>, sensor <NUM>, and housing <NUM> of WWS <NUM>. <FIG> is a close-up perspective view of actuator <NUM>, trigger <NUM>, and sensor <NUM> of WWS <NUM>. <FIG> will be discussed together. As shown, actuator <NUM> includes body <NUM> with flat end surface <NUM> and curvature <NUM>. Actuator <NUM> also includes output shaft <NUM> with inner end <NUM>. Trigger <NUM> is coupled to output shaft <NUM> of actuator <NUM>, adjacent inner end <NUM> of output shaft <NUM>. Sensor <NUM> is coupled to body <NUM> of actuator <NUM>, adjacent inner end <NUM> of output shaft <NUM>. Trigger <NUM> and sensor <NUM> are coupled to actuator <NUM> and trigger <NUM> and sensor <NUM> together are configured to indicate the position of wiper arm <NUM> and wiper blade <NUM> on windshield <NUM> of aircraft <NUM>, discussed further below.

Trigger <NUM> is coupled to output shaft <NUM> of actuator <NUM>, adjacent inner end <NUM> of output shaft <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, trigger <NUM> is coupled to output shaft <NUM> by press-fitting trigger <NUM> into output shaft <NUM>. In another embodiment, trigger <NUM> can be coupled to output shaft <NUM> through a mating threaded connection. In either embodiment, trigger <NUM> remains coupled to output shaft <NUM> of actuator <NUM> and trigger <NUM> is configured to rotate with output shaft <NUM> as output shaft <NUM> rotates in an oscillatory motion. An end of trigger <NUM> is coupled to output shaft <NUM> and the opposite end of trigger <NUM> extends outward from output shaft <NUM> in a radial direction, remaining free from contact during operation of WWS <NUM>. Trigger <NUM> is prism shaped such that a height of trigger <NUM> is greater than a length and width of a cross-section of trigger <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, trigger <NUM> has a rectangular cross-section, such that trigger <NUM> is a rectangular prism. In an unclaimed embodiment, trigger <NUM> can have a triangular cross-section or a circular cross-section, such that trigger <NUM> is a triangular prism or a cylinder, respectively. In yet another unclaimed embodiment, trigger <NUM> can have a cross-section of any geometric shape, with a height that is greater than a length and width of the cross-sectional edges of trigger <NUM>. Trigger <NUM> is a magnetic trigger constructed from a magnetic metallic material and trigger <NUM> is continuously positioned adjacent sensor <NUM> during rotation of output shaft <NUM> while operating WWS <NUM>.

Sensor <NUM> is coupled to body <NUM> of actuator <NUM>, adjacent inner end <NUM> of output shaft <NUM>. More specifically, sensor <NUM> is coupled to flat end surface <NUM> of body <NUM> of actuator <NUM>. Sensor <NUM> is generally flat with an arc shaped profile to conform to curvature <NUM> of body <NUM> of actuator <NUM>. In other words, sensor <NUM> is a flat partial circle sensor coupled to flat end surface <NUM> with an outer perimeter conforming to curvature <NUM> of body <NUM>. Sensor <NUM> is coupled to body <NUM> of actuator <NUM> such that sensor <NUM> remains stationary with respect to output shaft <NUM> of actuator <NUM> during operation of WWS <NUM>. Sensor <NUM> is positioned adjacent trigger <NUM> and sensor <NUM> is configured to detect a magnetic field produced by trigger <NUM>. More specifically, sensor <NUM> is a hall effect sensor configured to detect the magnitude of the magnetic field produced by trigger <NUM>, indicating the position of wiper arm <NUM> and wiper blade <NUM> on windshield <NUM> of aircraft <NUM>, discussed further below.

Housing <NUM> is generally cylindrical in shape with a closed end on one end and an open end on the other end. Housing <NUM> includes a center aperture extending through the center of housing <NUM>, sized such that housing <NUM> can slide over output shaft <NUM>. Housing <NUM> is positioned adjacent trigger <NUM> and sensor <NUM>, and housing <NUM> is configured to seal, cover, and protect trigger <NUM> and sensor <NUM> from environmental conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, dirt, etc. Housing <NUM> can be constructed from a polymer, a metal, a composite material, or a combination of the materials. In one example, housing <NUM> is constructed from an aluminum alloy using standard manufacturing techniques. Housing <NUM> is coupled to body <NUM> of actuator <NUM> through a standard mechanical connection, such as through fasteners, a threaded connection, or a clamping connection. Housing <NUM> is coupled to body <NUM> of actuator <NUM> during operation of WWS <NUM>. Housing <NUM> is removable from body <NUM> of actuator <NUM>, allowing access to trigger <NUM> and sensor <NUM> for maintenance, removal, and/or replacement of trigger <NUM> and/or sensor <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, WWS <NUM> includes housing <NUM> to seal, cover, and protect trigger <NUM> and sensor <NUM>. In another embodiment, WWS <NUM> may not include housing <NUM> or housing <NUM> can be formed integral with body <NUM> of actuator <NUM>.

In operation, wiper <NUM> begins in the parked position and remains in the parked position until an operator, such as a pilot or a co-pilot, or an automated system activates WWS <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, wiper <NUM> is in a parked position when wiper <NUM> is approximately perpendicular with bottom edge <NUM> of windshield <NUM> such that wiper <NUM> is approximately vertical in orientation. Wiper <NUM> is in the parked position when wiper <NUM> is stationary and not currently being used to clear rain or other debris from windshield <NUM> of aircraft <NUM>. Once WWS <NUM> is activated, wiper <NUM> sweeps across windshield <NUM> toward bottom edge <NUM> of windshield <NUM>. After wiper <NUM> reaches its sweep limit near bottom edge <NUM> of windshield <NUM>, wiper <NUM> reverses direction and sweeps back in the direction of the parking position. The sweep angle <NUM> and sweep limits (begin of sweep limit <NUM> and end of sweep limit <NUM>) of wiper <NUM> of WWS <NUM> are coded into the software of controller <NUM> and that controls how far wiper <NUM> sweeps in each direction. Further, sensor <NUM> detects the position of wiper <NUM> on windshield <NUM> and ensures wiper <NUM> reaches the correct sweep limits by adjusting sweep angle <NUM> as necessary, discussed further below.

In an example, the parking position of wiper <NUM> can define a reference of <NUM> degrees. When WWS <NUM> is activated, wiper <NUM> moves to begin of sweep limit <NUM> at approximately <NUM> degrees and then wiper <NUM> sweeps across windshield <NUM> until wiper <NUM> reaches end of sweep limit <NUM> at approximately <NUM> degrees. Wiper <NUM> then reverses direction and begins sweeping across windshield <NUM> in the opposite direction toward the begin of sweep limit <NUM> and the original parking position. The back and forth sweeping motion is continued to clean water or other debris from windshield <NUM> until WWS <NUM> is deactivated by the pilot, co-pilot, or an automated system. The angle between begin of sweep limit <NUM> and end of sweep limit <NUM> constitutes sweep angle <NUM> of wiper <NUM> on windshield <NUM> of aircraft <NUM>. Sweep angle <NUM> is a customer driven requirement ensuring a large enough surface area of windshield <NUM> is cleared of rain or other debris, providing better visibility for the pilot and co-pilot while operating aircraft <NUM>.

In previous windshield wiper systems, sweep angle <NUM>, begin of sweep limit <NUM>, and end of sweep limit <NUM> are initially coded into controller <NUM> to control the position of wiper <NUM>, but the initially coded position does not always represent the actual position of wiper <NUM> on windshield <NUM>. There are many external sources that can alter the actual position of wiper <NUM> on windshield <NUM>. One example is misalignment of wiper <NUM> with output shaft <NUM> of actuator <NUM>, resulting in an incorrect sweep angle <NUM> when output shaft <NUM> rotates to the initially coded positions. The misalignment of wiper <NUM> on output shaft <NUM> can occur during the manual installation and alignment process used to assemble previous windshield wiper systems. Further, unpredicted forces, such as high winds, flexing of wiper <NUM>, or degradation of components of WWS <NUM> can cause under-sweep and/or over-sweep (a non-conforming sweep angle <NUM>). In an under-sweep condition, wiper <NUM> is not reaching its coded sweep limits before reversing direction. Thus, when under-sweep occurs, windshield <NUM> is not being sufficiently cleared of water or other debris. In an over-sweep condition, wiper <NUM> is overshooting its coded sweep limits and is travelling beyond the perimeter of windshield <NUM> and onto the frame surrounding windshield <NUM>. When over-sweep occurs, unpredicted additional loads can be applied to actuator <NUM> and wiper blade <NUM> potentially damaging the actuator <NUM> and wiper blade <NUM> and shortening the useful lifespan of each component. As such, neither an under-sweep condition nor an over-sweep condition are desirable.

WWS <NUM> remedies the issue of under-sweep and over-sweep by using sensed data from trigger <NUM> and sensor <NUM> to accurately identify the actual location of wiper blade <NUM> on windshield <NUM> in real time. If under sweep is occurring, controller <NUM> instructs output shaft <NUM> of actuator <NUM> to continue rotating in a first direction until wiper <NUM> reaches end of sweep limit <NUM>. Likewise, if under sweep is occurring in the other direction, controller <NUM> instructs output shaft <NUM> of actuator <NUM> to continue rotating in a second direction until wiper <NUM> reaches begin of sweep limit <NUM>. If over-sweep is occurring, controller <NUM> instructs output shaft <NUM> of actuator <NUM> to stop rotating in the first direction because wiper <NUM> has already reached end of sweep limit <NUM>. Likewise, if over-sweep is occurring in the other direction, controller <NUM> instructs output shaft <NUM> of actuator <NUM> to stop rotating in the second direction because wiper <NUM> has already reached begin of sweep limit <NUM>. Thus, WWS <NUM> ensures that wiper <NUM> is operating correctly and is achieving the required sweep angle <NUM> and sweep limits. WWS <NUM> uses sensed data from trigger <NUM> and sensor <NUM> to identify the actual location of wiper <NUM> on windshield <NUM> of aircraft <NUM>. Further, WWS <NUM> automatically adjusts the rotation angle of output shaft <NUM> of actuator <NUM> to ensure the correct sweep angle <NUM> and sweep limits are achieved, conforming to customer requirements.

Traditional windshield wiper systems do not include a magnetic trigger and sensor for constant monitoring of the sweep angle of the wiper. As such, the wiper is configured to sweep to the initially coded limits, but the wiper may not actually sweep to the required sweep limits. WWS <NUM> is advantageous over traditional wiper systems because WWS <NUM> utilizes controller <NUM>, actuator <NUM>, trigger <NUM>, and sensor <NUM> to constantly monitor and control the actual sweep angle <NUM> of wiper <NUM>, ensuring the required sweep limits are achieved. As discussed, controller <NUM> is electrically coupled to actuator <NUM> and controller <NUM> is configured to control the rotation of output shaft <NUM>. Further, controller <NUM> is electrically coupled to sensor <NUM> and controller <NUM> is configured to receive electrical signals from sensor <NUM> indicating the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by sensor <NUM>.

Upon activation of WWS <NUM>, wiper <NUM> moves from the parking position (as previously described) to begin of sweep limit <NUM>. Controller <NUM> monitors the magnetic field produced by trigger <NUM> and detected by sensor <NUM>, ensuring wiper <NUM> begins at the correct parking position and moves to the correct begin of sweep limit <NUM>. Controller <NUM> ensures the correct positions are achieved through control of the rotation angle of output shaft <NUM> of actuator <NUM>. Controller <NUM> initiates movement of wiper <NUM> by sending a command signal to actuator <NUM> to control rotation of output shaft <NUM> and therefore to control sweep angle <NUM> of wiper <NUM>. Upon activation of actuator <NUM>, wiper <NUM> begins sweeping across windshield <NUM> of aircraft <NUM> in an oscillatory motion, with sensor <NUM> detecting the magnetic field produced by trigger <NUM> coupled to the rotating output shaft <NUM>. Trigger <NUM> is coupled to and rotates with output shaft <NUM>. Thus, trigger <NUM> is indicative of the position of wiper <NUM> on windshield <NUM> of aircraft <NUM>. More specifically, the magnitude of the magnetic field produced by trigger <NUM> and detected by sensor <NUM> is directly proportional to sweep angle <NUM> and the position of wiper arm <NUM> and wiper blade <NUM> (coupled to output shaft <NUM>) on windshield <NUM>.

Sensor <NUM> continuously detects the magnetic field produced by trigger <NUM> and sensor <NUM> sends feedback signals to the electrically coupled controller <NUM>, which are received by controller <NUM> and stored within memory <NUM> of controller <NUM>. Processor(s) <NUM> of controller <NUM> processes the feedback signals received from sensor <NUM> and outputs data indicative of the position of wiper <NUM> on windshield <NUM>. More specifically, processor(s) <NUM> processes the feedback signal indicating the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by sensor <NUM> and outputs information understandable by a user indicating the position of wiper arm <NUM> and wiper blade <NUM> on windshield <NUM>. The output information understandable by a user can include a display device, a sound card, a video graphics card, a speaker, a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or other type of device for outputting information in a form understandable to users or machines. Upon deactivation of WWS <NUM>, wiper <NUM> returns to the parking position as previously described. Controller <NUM> continues to monitor the magnetic field produced by trigger <NUM> and detected by sensor <NUM> during the parking process, ensuring wiper <NUM> returns to the correct parking position through control of the rotation angle of output shaft <NUM> of actuator <NUM>.

WWS <NUM> provides many benefits as compared to traditional windshield wiper systems used on aircrafts. WWS <NUM> includes output shaft <NUM> with an integrated trigger <NUM> and controller <NUM> coupled to sensor <NUM> for constantly monitoring sweep angle <NUM> of wiper <NUM>. Integrating trigger <NUM> and sensor <NUM> with actuator <NUM> eliminates the need for manual alignment of wiper <NUM> with output shaft <NUM> through the use of expensive test equipment. In contrast, controller <NUM> processes data received from trigger <NUM> and sensor <NUM> and automatically adjusts the rotation angle of output shaft <NUM> to achieve proper alignment of wiper <NUM>. This saves production time and money because traditional wiper systems require long production time and labor costs to manually align each wiper blade on every wiper system. WWS <NUM> utilizes trigger <NUM> and sensor <NUM> for automatic alignment and parking of wiper <NUM> during start-up and shutdown of WWS <NUM>. WWS <NUM> constantly monitors sweep angle <NUM> of wiper <NUM> to ensure correct sweep angle <NUM> is achieved and to detect failures during flight conditions. Further, constant monitoring by WWS <NUM> acts as a redundant system for computing the speed of actuator <NUM> in the event of a failure of a speed sensor on actuator <NUM>. WWS <NUM> can be implemented on an existing aircraft with only minor changes to the existing system (installing trigger <NUM> and sensor <NUM> on actuator <NUM>). Due to the elimination of the dependency on manual labor and expensive test equipment required for wiper alignment, the cost of WWS <NUM> is less than installation of traditional windshield wiper systems. WWS <NUM> provides a more reliable wiper system as it constantly monitors sweep angle <NUM> and sweep limits <NUM>/<NUM> of wiper <NUM> during operation of WWS <NUM>. Further, the data captured by trigger <NUM> and sensor <NUM> can be provided to the customer as objective evidence for conforming sweep angle <NUM>, sweep area, and sweep limits <NUM>/<NUM>.

WWS <NUM> improves the accuracy and performance of the overall wiper system on aircraft <NUM>. Any deviation in the position of wiper <NUM> due to external forces or misalignment of components (which cannot be sensed by the software in controller <NUM>) will be detected by trigger <NUM> and sensor <NUM>, then controller <NUM> will adjust sweep angle <NUM> accordingly to remedy the issue. WWS <NUM> is an intelligent closed loop system used to control sweep angle <NUM> and sweep limits <NUM>/<NUM> of wiper <NUM> in an efficient and simple solution. WWS <NUM> is a simple solution that meets customer requirements and controls the angular position of output shaft <NUM> and wiper <NUM> to extend the lifespan of wiper <NUM> by preventing unexpected forces and loads on wiper <NUM> due to over-shoot condition, ultimately resulting in cost savings to the customer. WWS <NUM> provides many benefits over previous aircraft windshield wiper systems that will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

A windshield wiper system for use on a windshield of an aircraft, the windshield wiper system comprising: a wiper comprising a wiper arm and a wiper blade coupled to a first end of the wiper arm; an actuator comprising a body and an output shaft, wherein the output shaft is coupled to a second end of the wiper arm, and wherein the actuator is configured to rotate the output shaft to sweep the wiper arm and wiper blade in an arc across the windshield of the aircraft; a trigger coupled to the output shaft of the actuator, wherein the trigger is configured to rotate with the output shaft; and a sensor coupled to the body of the actuator, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a magnetic field produced by the trigger.

The windshield wiper system of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
A controller electrically coupled to the actuator and electrically coupled to the sensor; and a gear reduction coupled to and positioned between the output shaft and the actuator.

The controller is configured to: send electrical signals to and receive electrical signals from the actuator to control rotation of the output shaft of the actuator; and receive electrical signals from the sensor indicating the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the sensor.

The gear reduction is integral with the actuator such that the actuator, gear reduction, and output shaft are a single assembly.

The trigger is a magnetic trigger constructed from a metallic material.

The trigger is press-fit into the output shaft of the actuator and extends outward from the output shaft in a radial direction, and wherein the trigger is prism shaped such that a height of the trigger is greater than a length and width of a cross-section of the trigger.

The sensor is a hall effect sensor configured to detect the magnitude of a magnetic field.

The sensor is coupled to a flat end surface of the body of the actuator and the sensor is arc shaped to conform to a curvature of the body of the actuator, and wherein the sensor is stationary with respect to the output shaft of the actuator.

The trigger and the sensor are positioned adjacent an inner end of the output shaft, and wherein the trigger is continuously positioned adjacent the sensor.

The magnetic field produced by the trigger and detected by the sensor indicates the position of the wiper arm and wiper blade on the windshield of the aircraft.

A housing positioned adjacent the trigger and positioned adjacent the sensor, wherein the housing is configured to cover and protect the trigger and the sensor from environmental conditions.

A method of operating a windshield wiper system for use on a windshield of an aircraft, the method comprising: transferring, by a controller, a command signal to an electrically coupled actuator to control rotation of an output shaft of the actuator; rotating, by the actuator, the output shaft in an oscillatory motion; detecting, by a sensor, a magnetic field produced by a trigger coupled to the rotating output shaft; and transferring, by the sensor, a feedback signal to the electrically coupled controller indicating the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the sensor; wherein the magnitude of the magnetic field is indicative of a position of a wiper arm and a wiper blade coupled to the output shaft.

The method of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:
Receiving, by the controller, the feedback signal transferred from the sensor; storing, by the controller, the feedback signal within a memory of the controller; processing, by a processor of the controller, the stored feedback signal; transferring, by the controller, a communication signal indicating the results of the processed feedback signal.

The results of the processed feedback signal include one or more of a sweep angle performed by the wiper arm and the wiper blade, a parking position of the wiper arm and the wiper blade, and a rotational speed of the output shaft of the actuator.

Adjusting, by the controller, the sweep angle of the wiper arm and the wiper blade upon determining the sweep angle of the wiper arm and the wiper blade is not within predefined sweep angle limits; wherein the controller adjusts the sweep angle of the wiper arm and the wiper blade by adjusting the rotational limits of the output shaft of the actuator.

Adjusting, by the controller, the parking position of the wiper arm and the wiper blade upon determining the parking position of the wiper arm and the wiper blade is not at a predefined zero-degree parking position; wherein the controller adjusts the parking position of the wiper arm and the wiper blade by rotating the output shaft of the actuator until the predefined zero-degree parking position is reached by the wiper arm and the wiper blade.

The trigger: is a magnetic trigger constructed from a metallic material; is press-fit into the output shaft of the actuator and extends outward from the output shaft in a radial direction; is prism shaped such that a height of the trigger is greater than a length and width of a cross-section of the trigger; is positioned adjacent an inner end of the output shaft of the actuator; and is continuously positioned adjacent the sensor during operation of the windshield wiper system.

The sensor: is a hall effect sensor configured to detect the magnitude of a magnetic field; is coupled to a flat end surface of a body of the actuator and the sensor is arc shaped to conform to a curvature of the body of the actuator; is stationary with respect to the output shaft of the actuator; and is positioned adjacent an inner end of the output shaft of the actuator.

The windshield wiper system further comprises a housing positioned adjacent the trigger and positioned adjacent the sensor, wherein the housing is configured to cover and protect the trigger and the sensor from environmental conditions.

Claim 1:
A windshield wiper system for use on a windshield of an aircraft, the windshield wiper system comprising:
a wiper (<NUM>) comprising a wiper arm (<NUM>) and a wiper blade (<NUM>) coupled to a first end of the wiper arm;
an actuator (<NUM>) comprising a body and an output shaft, wherein the output shaft is coupled to a second end of the wiper arm (<NUM>), and wherein the actuator (<NUM>) is configured to rotate the output shaft to sweep the wiper arm (<NUM>) and wiper blade (<NUM>) in an arc across the windshield of the aircraft;
a trigger (<NUM>) coupled to the output shaft of the actuator (<NUM>), wherein the trigger (<NUM>) is configured to rotate with the output shaft; and
a sensor (<NUM>) coupled to the body of the actuator (<NUM>), wherein the sensor (<NUM>) is configured to detect a magnetic field produced by the trigger (<NUM>);
wherein the trigger (<NUM>) is a magnetic trigger (<NUM>) constructed from a metallic material, the windshield wiper system being characterised in that
the trigger (<NUM>) is press-fit into the output shaft of the actuator (<NUM>) and extends outward from the output shaft in a radial direction, and wherein the trigger (<NUM>) is prism shaped such that a height of the trigger (<NUM>) is greater than a length and width of a cross-section of the trigger (<NUM>).