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 copilot. Windshield wiper systems include a wiper arm and a wiper blade that sweep back and forth across a windshield within specific sweep angle requirements, cleaning the windshield for the pilot and co-pilot. Many windshield wiper systems include a wash system that dispenses a fluid onto the windshield of the aircraft to aid in cleaning the windshield of the aircraft. Windshield wiperz systems utilizing metallic supports have a fluid tube welded or brazed to the metallic components for providing fluid adjacent the wiper blade sweeping across the windshield. Windshield wiper systems utilizing composite supports cannot include welded or brazed fluid tubes and therefore there is a need for a solution to incorporate fluid tubes into composite support type wiper blade assemblies. <CIT> relates to a beam blade windshield wiper assembly. <CIT> and <CIT> relate to windshield wiper systems.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a wiper blade for use on a windshield of an aircraft is provided in claim <NUM>. The wiper blade includes a support member, a blade element, a clip, and a wash tube. The support member is coupled to the blade element, and the support member is constructed from a composite material. The clip is coupled to and surrounds at least a portion of the support member and at least a portion of the blade element. The wash tube is integral with the support member, and the wash tube is fluidly coupled to a plurality of nozzles spaced along a length of the wiper blade.

<FIG> is a side view of windshield wiper system <NUM> on aircraft windshield <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of wiper blade <NUM> 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 blade <NUM>, wiper arm <NUM>, output shaft <NUM>, actuator <NUM>, fluid source <NUM>, and fluid line <NUM>. WWS <NUM> is installed on an aircraft and WWS <NUM> is configured to clear windshield <NUM> of rain or other debris. Wiper arm <NUM> includes first end 16A positioned at a distal end of wiper arm <NUM> and second end 16B positioned at an opposite distal end of wiper arm <NUM> as first end 16A. Wiper blade <NUM> is coupled to first end 16A of wiper arm <NUM> through a coupler, discussed further below. Wiper arm <NUM> can be constructed from a polymer, a composite, a metal, or at least partially from one or more of the listed materials.

Wiper arm <NUM> is coupled to output shaft <NUM> at second end 16B of wiper arm <NUM> through a mechanical connection, such as a threaded or clamping connection. Output shaft <NUM> extends through a body portion of the aircraft 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 16B of wiper arm <NUM>, which in turn forces wiper arm <NUM> and wiper blade <NUM> to traverse across windshield <NUM> in a sweeping motion. Actuator <NUM> is coupled to output shaft <NUM> within the body portion of the aircraft. 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 arm <NUM> and wiper blade <NUM> to traverse across windshield <NUM> in a sweeping motion, therefore actuator <NUM> provides the energy necessary to drive motion of WWS <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.

In one example, fluid source <NUM> can be an impermeable vessel of any shape, size, and material that is configured to store the fluid that will be dispensed onto windshield <NUM>. In other words, fluid source <NUM> can be a leak proof container that includes a hollow interior configured to store fluids before the fluids are used by WWS <NUM>. In other examples, fluid source <NUM> can be a flow path from a portion of an engine, compressor, auxiliary power unit, or any other hot air source within the aircraft, such as for example to provide engine bleed air to WWS <NUM>. Fluid source <NUM> is positioned within the aircraft body and fluidly coupled to wiper blade <NUM> through fluid line <NUM>, discussed further below. Fluid line <NUM> extends from fluid source <NUM> to wiper blade <NUM>. Fluid line <NUM> can be a tube, channel, hose, or any other component capable of transferring a fluid from fluid source <NUM> to wiper blade <NUM>. The fluid transferring through fluid line <NUM> can be one or more of water, windshield cleaning fluid, chemical rain repellant, and hot engine bleed air, among other options. Fluid line <NUM> is configured to provide a flow path for fluid to flow from fluid source <NUM> to wiper blade <NUM>, allowing the fluid to dispense onto windshield <NUM> adjacent wiper blade <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, fluid line <NUM> is coupled to wiper blade <NUM> at approximately the center of wiper blade <NUM>, with respect to the length of wiper blade <NUM>. In another embodiment, fluid line <NUM> can be coupled to wiper blade <NUM> at any location along the length of wiper blade <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, wiper blade <NUM> includes support member <NUM>, blade element <NUM>, clips <NUM>, wash tube <NUM>, coupler <NUM>, center support <NUM>, and fastener <NUM>. Support member <NUM> is coupled to blade element <NUM> and clip <NUM> is coupled to and surrounds at least a portion of support member <NUM> and at least a portion of blade element <NUM>. Likewise, coupler <NUM> is coupled to and surrounds at least a portion of support member <NUM> and at least a portion of blade element <NUM>. Fastener <NUM> extends through blade element <NUM> and clip <NUM>, securing clip <NUM> to blade element <NUM>. Each respective component will be discussed further below.

Support member <NUM> is a structural component that provides rigidity to wiper blade <NUM> during operation of WWS <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, support member <NUM> includes a rectangular cross-section extending the length of wiper blade <NUM>, providing stiffness and rigidity to wiper blade <NUM> to prevent undesirable deflection of wiper blade <NUM> in the sweeping directions. In another embodiment, support member <NUM> can include a cross-section of any shape that extends a full or partial length of wiper blade <NUM>. Support member <NUM> is constructed from a composite material. In one example, support member <NUM> can be constructed from a carbon fiber reinforced polymer. Support member <NUM> is coupled to blade element <NUM> through an adhesive positioned between support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM> and extending a substantial length of support member <NUM>. In one example, the adhesive used to couple support member <NUM> to blade element <NUM> is a polyurethane adhesive.

Blade element <NUM> is the component of wiper blade <NUM> that is configured to interface with windshield <NUM> to clear windshield <NUM> of water or other debris. Blade element <NUM> has a complex cross-sectional shape including a rectangular top portion and a generally triangular bottom portion configured to contact and clean windshield <NUM> on the aircraft. Blade element <NUM> can be constructed from a rubber material, such as in one example blade element <NUM> is constructed from a nitrile rubber. In some examples, blade element <NUM> can have a length that is less than a length of support member <NUM>. During the adhesion of support member <NUM> to blade element <NUM>, blade element <NUM> is stretched which causes support member <NUM> to flex into a curved configuration, conforming to the shape of windshield <NUM>. In other examples, blade element <NUM> can have the same length as support member <NUM>.

Clip <NUM> is a component of wiper blade <NUM> that is configured to provide additional attachment support between support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM>. More specifically, clip <NUM> is coupled to both support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM>, and clip <NUM> surrounds at least a portion of each of support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM>. Clip <NUM> is configured to exert a clamping force on support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM>, compressing support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM> together. Clip <NUM> can be constructed from a metal, a polymer, or a composite material. In one example, clip <NUM> can be constructed from a spring steel or sheet metal to facilitate the clamping force exerted on support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, wiper blade <NUM> includes four clips <NUM> coupled to support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM>. In another example, wiper blade <NUM> can include more or less than four clips <NUM> coupled to support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM>. The number of clips <NUM> coupled to wiper blade <NUM> depends on various factors, such as the length of wiper blade <NUM> and the forces exerted on wiper blade <NUM>, among other factors. In one example, wiper blade <NUM> includes two inner clips <NUM> spaced equidistance from coupler <NUM> and two outer clips <NUM> adjacent the ends of wiper blade <NUM> that are also spaced equidistance from coupler <NUM>. Further, in the example shown, there are an equal number of clips <NUM> positioned on each side of center support <NUM>. In another example, there can be an unequal number of clips <NUM> positioned on each side of center support <NUM>.

Coupler <NUM> is positioned at a center position with respect to a length of support member <NUM> and coupler <NUM> extends outward from support member <NUM> in a direction opposite of blade element <NUM>. Similar to clip <NUM>, coupler <NUM> is coupled to and surrounds at least a portion of support member <NUM> and at least a portion of blade element <NUM>. Coupler <NUM> is configured to couple to support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM> at one end and couple to first end 16A of wiper arm <NUM> at the other end. As such, coupler <NUM> is configured to secure wiper blade <NUM> to wiper arm <NUM> of WWS <NUM>. Coupler <NUM> can be coupled to wiper arm <NUM> through one or more of a rivet, bolt and nut, pin and clevis, and pin and clamp, among other options. In the embodiment shown, coupler <NUM> is constructed from a metallic material. In other embodiments, coupler <NUM> can be constructed from a polymer or a composite material, among other options.

Center support <NUM> is positioned adjacent and coupled to coupler <NUM>. According to the invention center support <NUM> is positioned at a center position with respect to a length of support member <NUM> and center support <NUM> is coupled to coupler <NUM> through a weld or brazed joint. As such, in the embodiment shown, center support <NUM> is constructed from a metallic material, such as for example a stainless steel. In other embodiments, center support <NUM> can be constructed from a polymer or a composite material, among other options. Center support <NUM> is also coupled to wash tube <NUM> and center support <NUM> is configured to secure wash tube <NUM> to wiper blade <NUM> as well as provide additional support to wash tube <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, center support <NUM> is coupled to wash tube <NUM> through a weld or brazed joint. In another embodiment, center support <NUM> can be coupled to wash tube <NUM> through a fastener, clamp, or adhesive, among other options.

As discussed, wash tube <NUM> is coupled to center support <NUM>, securing wash tube <NUM> to wiper blade <NUM>. Further, wash tube <NUM> is positioned adjacent support member <NUM> and coupled to support member <NUM> of wiper blade <NUM> through clips <NUM>, such that wash tube <NUM> is integral with support member <NUM>. In the context of the present application, "integral" means forming a part of the same assembly. Using this definition, wash tube <NUM> is integral with support member <NUM> because wash tube <NUM> is coupled to support member <NUM> using clips <NUM>. As such, wash tube <NUM> is part of the assembly shown as wiper blade <NUM>. Wash tube <NUM> is secured to wiper blade <NUM> adjacent the initial sweep side of wiper blade <NUM>. In other words, if wiper blade <NUM> initially sweeps in a left direction when activated, wash tube <NUM> is also positioned on the left side of wiper blade <NUM>. Likewise, if wiper blade <NUM> initially sweeps in a right direction when activated, wash tube <NUM> is also positioned on the right side of wiper blade <NUM>. Wash tube <NUM> is a tubular component that includes a hollow center portion, allowing fluids to flow through the center of wash tube <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, wash tube <NUM> has a circular cross-sectional shape when viewing in the axial direction of wash tube <NUM>. In other embodiments, wash tube <NUM> can have any desired cross-sectional shape when viewing in the axial direction of wash tube <NUM>. Further, in the embodiment shown, wash tube <NUM> is constructed from a metallic material, such as for example stainless steel, allowing wash tube <NUM> to be coupled to center support <NUM> through a weld or brazed joint. In other embodiments, wash tube <NUM> can be constructed from a polymer or a composite material, among other options.

Wash tube <NUM> includes end caps <NUM> positioned at each distal end of wash tube <NUM>, preventing fluid from flowing out through each distal end of wash tube <NUM>. End caps <NUM> can be coupled to wash tube <NUM> through one or more of a friction fit, an adhesive, and a weld or brazed joint, among other fluid tight options. In the embodiment shown, end caps <NUM> have an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of wash tube <NUM>, which aids in preventing wash tube <NUM> from translating and sliding out from the outermost clips <NUM> secured to wiper blade <NUM>. In other embodiments, the outer diameter of end caps <NUM> may not be larger than the outer diameter of wash tube <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, end caps <NUM> have a circular cross-sectional shape when viewing in the axial direction of end caps <NUM>. In other embodiments, end caps <NUM> can have any desired cross-sectional shape that conforms to the outer shape of wash tube <NUM>. Further, in the embodiment shown, end caps <NUM> are constructed from a metallic material, such as for example stainless steel, allowing end caps <NUM> to be coupled to wash tube <NUM> through a weld or brazed joint. In other embodiments, end caps <NUM> can be constructed from a polymer or a composite material, among other options.

Wash tube <NUM> also includes a plurality of nozzles <NUM> extending through wash tube <NUM>, providing a location in which the fluid flowing through the hollow center portion of wash tube <NUM> can dispense or exit wash tube <NUM> onto windshield <NUM> of the aircraft. In some examples, each nozzle <NUM> can be an aperture extending through an outer wall of wash tube <NUM>. Nozzles <NUM> are configured to increase the pressure and velocity of the fluid as the fluid dispenses through nozzles <NUM> of wash tube <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, wash tube <NUM> includes twelve nozzles <NUM> spaced along a length of wash tube <NUM>. In another embodiment, wash tube <NUM> can include more or fewer than twelve nozzles <NUM> spaced along the length of wash tube <NUM>. The number of nozzles <NUM> will vary depending on the length of wiper blade <NUM> and the fluid requirements for each specific application. As such, wash tube <NUM> receives a fluid from fluid line <NUM> fluidly coupled to wash tube <NUM>, the fluid flows into the center hollow portion of wash tube <NUM>, and then the fluid dispenses through the plurality of nozzles <NUM> onto windshield <NUM> of the aircraft.

<FIG> is a close-up perspective view of an end portion of wiper blade <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of clip <NUM> of wiper blade <NUM>. <FIG> is a front view of clip <NUM> of wiper blade <NUM>. <FIG> will be discussed together. Clip <NUM> includes first side <NUM>, second side <NUM>, top <NUM>, first extension <NUM>, second extension <NUM>, first aperture <NUM>, second aperture <NUM>, and clamp <NUM>. Clip <NUM> is a component of wiper blade <NUM> configured to secure other components of wiper blade <NUM> together. More specifically, clip <NUM> secures support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM> together through a compressive force exerted by clip <NUM>. In addition, clip <NUM> secures and couples wash tube <NUM> to wiper blade <NUM> adjacent support member <NUM> during operation of WWS <NUM>, discussed below. Clip <NUM> can be constructed from a composite material, metallic material, or polymer-based material. In the embodiment shown, clip <NUM> is constructed from a metallic material, such as for example sheet metal, and formed using various bending operations. In other embodiments, clip <NUM> can be manufactured using other methods, such as for example additive manufacturing and machining operations, among other options.

First side <NUM> is a side portion/wall of clip <NUM>, and second side <NUM> is a side portion/wall of clip <NUM> that is oriented offset from and parallel to first side <NUM>. Top <NUM> extends perpendicular to first side <NUM> and second side <NUM>. Further, top <NUM> extends between and connects first side <NUM> and second side <NUM>. First extension <NUM> extends inward from first side <NUM> toward a center portion of clip <NUM>. First extension <NUM> extends inward only a partial distance and does not connect to second side <NUM>, leaving a gap or opening for a portion of blade element <NUM> to extend through. First extension <NUM> is oriented parallel to top <NUM> and perpendicular to first side <NUM>. Second extension <NUM> extends inward from second side <NUM> toward a center portion of clip <NUM>. Second extension <NUM> extends inward only a partial distance and does not connect to first side <NUM>, leaving a gap or opening for a portion of blade element <NUM> to extend through. Second extension <NUM> is oriented parallel to top <NUM> and perpendicular to second side <NUM>. When clip <NUM> is installed on and secured to support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM> of wiper blade <NUM>, first extension <NUM> and second extension <NUM> engage a portion of blade element <NUM> to produce the compressive force on support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM>.

First aperture <NUM> extends through first side <NUM> of clip <NUM> and second aperture <NUM> extends through second side <NUM> of clip <NUM>. First aperture <NUM> and second aperture <NUM> can be a hole that extends fully through first side <NUM> and second side <NUM>, respectively, such that a central axis of first aperture <NUM> is axially aligned with a central axis of second aperture <NUM>. First aperture <NUM> and second aperture <NUM> are configured to provide a location to couple clips <NUM> to blade element <NUM>. Clips <NUM> are installed on wiper blade <NUM> by inserting clips <NUM> over the distal ends of wiper blade <NUM> and then positioning clips <NUM> at the desired location on wiper blade <NUM>. More specifically, clips <NUM> are slid down support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM> until first aperture <NUM> and second aperture <NUM> of clip <NUM> are aligned with a desired one of the plurality of blade element apertures spaced along the length and extending through blade element <NUM>. Once first aperture <NUM> and second aperture <NUM> are aligned with the desired aperture on blade element <NUM>, fastener <NUM> is inserted through each of the apertures and secures clip <NUM> to blade element <NUM>. Fastener <NUM> can extend through each clip <NUM> coupled to support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM>. As such, in an embodiment including four clips <NUM>, there will be four fasteners <NUM> securing the four clips <NUM> to support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM>. The number of fasteners <NUM> will depend on the number of clips <NUM> on wiper blade <NUM>. Fastener <NUM> can be a rivet, bolt and nut, pin and clevis, pin and clamp, among other options.

Fastener <NUM> is configured to extend through only clip <NUM> and the rectangular top portion of blade element <NUM> to secure clip <NUM> to blade element <NUM>, which further secures support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM> together in compression. Fastener <NUM> does not extend through support member <NUM> in an effort to eliminate apertures within support member <NUM>. Any apertures extending through support member <NUM> could reduce the rigidity and stiffness of support member <NUM>, limiting the usefulness of support member <NUM> during operation of WWS <NUM>. A support member <NUM> including apertures could result in increased deflection of wiper blade <NUM> during operation of WWS <NUM>, as compared to a wiper blade <NUM> without apertures extending through support member <NUM>. Increased deflection of wiper blade <NUM> could result in damage to wiper blade <NUM> and/or a nonconforming WWS <NUM> based on unsatisfactory sweep angle limits. As such, it is advantageous for WWS <NUM> to avoid or eliminate apertures extending through support member <NUM> to reduce deflection of wiper blade <NUM> during operation of WWS <NUM>.

Clip <NUM> includes clamp <NUM> extending outward from first side <NUM> of clip <NUM>. Clamp <NUM> is the feature of clip <NUM> that is configured to couple wash tube <NUM> to clip <NUM> and the overall wiper blade <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, clamp <NUM> has a generally circular cross-section to conform to the circular cross-section of wash tube <NUM>. In another embodiment, clamp <NUM> can have any cross-sectional shape that conforms with the cross-sectional shape of wash tube <NUM>. Referring to the embodiment shown, clamp <NUM> has an inner diameter that is approximately equal to an outer diameter of wash tube <NUM>, allowing clamp <NUM> to secure and hold wash tube <NUM> in place during operation of WWS <NUM>. Clamp <NUM> further includes entry <NUM>, which extends through first side <NUM> of clip <NUM>. Entry <NUM> of clamp <NUM> is configured to provide a location in which wash tube <NUM> is inserted into clamp <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, entry <NUM> is an opening that allows wash tube <NUM> to snap fit into clamp <NUM>. The height of the opening of entry <NUM>, parallel to first side <NUM>, is less than the outer diameter of wash tube <NUM>, requiring wash tube <NUM> to be forced through entry <NUM> to be seated within clamp <NUM>. Entry <NUM> being less than the outer diameter of wash tube <NUM> secures wash tube <NUM> within clamp <NUM> and prevents wash tube <NUM> from falling out of clamp <NUM> during operation of WWS <NUM>.

Previous windshield wiper systems utilizing metallic supports have a wash tube welded or brazed to the metallic components for providing fluid adjacent the wiper blade sweeping across the windshield. Windshield wiper systems utilizing composite supports cannot include welded or brazed fluid tubes along the entire length of the wiper blade and therefore there is a need for a solution to coupling fluid tubes to composite supports of wiper blade assemblies. Clips <NUM> and center support <NUM> provide a solution for coupling wash tube <NUM> to composite support member <NUM>. Clips <NUM> secure support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM> together and also hold and secure wash tube <NUM> to support member <NUM> of wiper blade <NUM>, without welding or brazing operations. As such, WWS <NUM> including clips <NUM> and center support <NUM> allow a windshield washing system including wash tube <NUM> to be utilized on aircrafts with composite support members <NUM>. Therefore, the aircraft windshield washing system benefits from the decreased over-sweep and under-sweep by utilizing the composite support member <NUM> and also benefits from the capability to dispense a fluid onto windshield <NUM> of the aircraft to aid in cleaning windshield <NUM> to improve visibility for both the pilot and copilot operating the aircraft.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an example wiper blade <NUM> of windshield wiper system <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the composite support member <NUM> of wiper blade <NUM>. <FIG> is a close-up perspective view of wiper blade <NUM> with blade element <NUM> removed for clarity. <FIG> will be discussed together. Referring to <FIG>, wiper blade <NUM> includes support member <NUM>, blade element <NUM>, clips <NUM>, wash tube <NUM>, coupler <NUM>, and fastener <NUM>. Support member <NUM> is coupled to blade element <NUM> and clip <NUM> is coupled to and surrounds at least a portion of support member <NUM> and at least a portion of blade element <NUM>. Likewise, coupler <NUM> is coupled to and surrounds at least a portion of support member <NUM> and at least a portion of blade element <NUM>. Fastener <NUM> extends through blade element <NUM> and clip <NUM>, securing clip <NUM> to blade element <NUM>. Each respective component will be discussed further below.

Support member <NUM> is a structural component that provides rigidity to wiper blade <NUM> during operation of WWS <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, support member <NUM> includes a generally triangular cross-section extending the length of wiper blade <NUM>, providing stiffness and rigidity to wiper blade <NUM> to prevent undesirable deflection of wiper blade <NUM> in the sweeping directions. In another embodiment, support member <NUM> can include a cross-section of any shape that extends a full or partial length of wiper blade <NUM>. Support member <NUM> can be constructed from a composite material, metallic material, or polymer material. In one example, support member <NUM> can be constructed from a carbon fiber reinforced polymer. Support member <NUM> is coupled to blade element <NUM> through an adhesive positioned between support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM> and extending a substantial length of support member <NUM>. In one example, the adhesive used to couple support member <NUM> to blade element <NUM> is a polyurethane adhesive.

Clip <NUM> is a component of wiper blade <NUM> that is configured to provide additional attachment support between support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM>. More specifically, clip <NUM> is coupled to both support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM>, and clip <NUM> surrounds at least a portion of each of support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM>. Clip <NUM> is configured to exert a clamping force on support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM>, compressing support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM> together. Fastener <NUM> is configured to extend through only clip <NUM> and the rectangular top portion of blade element <NUM> to secure clip <NUM> to blade element <NUM>, which further secures support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM> together in compression. Fastener <NUM> does not extend through support member <NUM> in an effort to eliminate unnecessary apertures within support member <NUM>. Fastener <NUM> can extend through each clip <NUM> coupled to support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM>. As such, in an embodiment including four clips <NUM>, there will be four fasteners <NUM> securing the four clips <NUM> to support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM>. The number of fasteners <NUM> will depend on the number of clips <NUM> on wiper blade <NUM>. Fastener <NUM> can be a rivet, bolt and nut, pin and clevis, pin and clamp, among other options.

Clip <NUM> can be constructed from a metal, a polymer, or a composite material. In one example, clip <NUM> can be constructed from a spring steel or sheet metal to facilitate the clamping force exerted on support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, wiper blade <NUM> includes four clips <NUM> coupled to support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM>. In another example, wiper blade <NUM> can include more or less than four clips <NUM> coupled to support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM>. The number of clips <NUM> coupled to wiper blade <NUM> depends on various factors, such as the length of wiper blade <NUM> and the forces exerted on wiper blade <NUM>, among other factors. In one example, wiper blade <NUM> includes two inner clips <NUM> spaced equidistance from coupler <NUM> and two outer clips <NUM> adjacent the ends of wiper blade <NUM> that are also spaced equidistance from coupler <NUM>. Further, in the example shown, there are an equal number of clips <NUM> positioned on each side of center support <NUM>. In another example, there can be an unequal number of clips <NUM> positioned on each side of center support <NUM>.

Coupler <NUM> is positioned at a center position with respect to a length of support member <NUM> and coupler <NUM> extends outward from support member <NUM> in a direction opposite of blade element <NUM>. Similar to clip <NUM>, coupler <NUM> is coupled to and surrounds at least a portion of support member <NUM> and at least a portion of blade element <NUM>. Coupler <NUM> is configured to couple to support member <NUM> and blade element <NUM> at one end and couple to first end 16A of wiper arm <NUM> at the other end. As such, coupler <NUM> is configured to secure wiper blade <NUM> to wiper arm <NUM> of WWS <NUM> (<FIG>). Coupler <NUM> can be coupled to wiper arm <NUM> through one or more of a rivet, bolt and nut, pin and clevis, and pin and clamp, among other options. In the embodiment shown, coupler <NUM> is constructed from a metallic material. In other embodiments, coupler <NUM> can be constructed from a polymer or a composite material, among other options.

As shown best in <FIG>, wash tube <NUM> is an aperture that extends fully through support member <NUM>, from one end of support member <NUM> to the other end of support member <NUM>. As such, wash tube <NUM> is integral with and positioned within support member <NUM>. Using the definition of "integral" provided above, wash tube <NUM> is integral with support member <NUM> because wash tube <NUM> is positioned within support member <NUM>. As such, wash tube <NUM> is part of the assembly shown as wiper blade <NUM>. Wash tube <NUM> is a tubular feature through a center portion of support member <NUM> that allows fluids to flow through wash tube <NUM> within support member <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, wash tube <NUM> has a circular cross-sectional shape when viewing in the axial direction of wash tube <NUM>. In other embodiments, wash tube <NUM> can have any desired cross-sectional shape when viewing in the axial direction of wash tube <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, wiper blade <NUM> also includes plugs <NUM> positioned at each distal end of wash tube <NUM>. More specifically, plugs <NUM> are inserted within the ends of wash tube <NUM> and plugs <NUM> prevent fluid from flowing out through each distal end of wash tube <NUM>. Plugs <NUM> can be coupled to wash tube <NUM> through one or more of a friction fit, an adhesive, and a composite fusion process, among other fluid tight options. In the embodiment shown, end caps <NUM> have an outer diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of wash tube <NUM>, which allows plugs <NUM> to be inserted within wash tube <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, end caps <NUM> have a circular cross-sectional shape when viewing in the axial direction of end caps <NUM>. In other embodiments, end caps <NUM> can have any desired cross-sectional shape that conforms to the outer shape of wash tube <NUM>. Further, end caps <NUM> can be constructed from the same or similar composite material as support member <NUM>.

Wiper blade <NUM> also includes a plurality of nozzles <NUM> and fluid input <NUM> (<FIG>). Nozzles <NUM> extend through support member <NUM>, providing a location in which the fluid flowing through wash tube <NUM> can dispense or exit wash tube <NUM> onto windshield <NUM> of the aircraft. In some examples, each nozzle <NUM> can be an aperture extending through support member <NUM>. Nozzles <NUM> are configured to increase the pressure and velocity of the fluid as the fluid dispenses through nozzles <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, support member <NUM> includes eight nozzles <NUM> spaced along a length of support member <NUM>. In another embodiment, support member <NUM> can include more or fewer than eight nozzles <NUM> spaced along the length of support member <NUM>. The number of nozzles <NUM> will vary depending on the length of wiper blade <NUM> and the fluid requirements for each specific application. Further, nozzles <NUM> are positioned adjacent the initial sweep side of wiper blade <NUM>. In other words, if wiper blade <NUM> initially sweeps in a left direction when activated, nozzles <NUM> are also positioned on the left side of wiper blade <NUM>. Likewise, if wiper blade <NUM> initially sweeps in a right direction when activated, nozzles <NUM> are also positioned on the right side of wiper blade <NUM>. Positioning nozzles <NUM> on the initial sweep side of wiper blade <NUM> allows fluid to dispense onto windshield <NUM> in front of wiper blade <NUM> before wiper blade <NUM> sweeps across an area of windshield <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, fluid input <NUM> is an aperture that extends through support member <NUM> and connects to wash tube <NUM>. Fluid input <NUM> is positioned at approximately the center of support member <NUM> in the lengthwise direction of support member <NUM>. Fluid input <NUM> fluidly connects fluid line <NUM> (<FIG>) and wash tube <NUM>, providing a flow path for fluid to flow from fluid line <NUM> into wash tube <NUM>. More specifically, referring to <FIG>, fluid flows from fluid line <NUM> into input port <NUM>, and then the fluid flows from input port <NUM> into fluid input <NUM> of support member <NUM>. Input port <NUM> is a tube, channel, or the like, that extends through and is coupled to coupler <NUM>. More specifically, input port <NUM> extends through an aperture within coupler <NUM> and input port <NUM> is coupled to coupler <NUM> through a braze or weld connection. As such, input port <NUM> and coupler <NUM> can be constructed from a metallic material, facilitating the brazing or welded connection between the components. Further, the end of input port <NUM> extending within fluid input <NUM> of support member <NUM> is coupled to support member <NUM> through an adhesive connection. Brazing or welding input port <NUM> to coupler <NUM> and coupling input port <NUM> to support member <NUM> through an adhesive provides additional support and connection between support member <NUM> and coupler <NUM>. Input port <NUM> provides a connection and flow path between fluid line <NUM> and fluid input <NUM>, allowing fluid to flow from fluid input <NUM> through input port <NUM> and into fluid input <NUM>. As such, in operation fluid is transferred from fluid source <NUM> through fluid line <NUM>, the fluid travels through fluid line <NUM> to input port <NUM>, the fluid flows through input port <NUM> and into fluid input <NUM>, the fluid flows through fluid input <NUM> and into wash tube <NUM>, and then the fluid flows through wash tube <NUM> and dispenses through the plurality of nozzles <NUM> onto windshield <NUM> of the aircraft.

Previous windshield wiper systems utilizing metallic supports have a wash tube welded or brazed to the metallic components for providing fluid adjacent the wiper blade sweeping across the windshield. Windshield wiper systems utilizing composite supports cannot include welded or brazed fluid tubes along the entire length of the wiper blade and therefore there is a need for a solution to coupling fluid tubes to composite supports of wiper blade assemblies. As such, WWS <NUM> including wiper blade <NUM> allow a windshield washing system including wash tube <NUM> to be utilized on aircrafts with composite support members <NUM>. Therefore, the aircraft windshield washing system benefits from the decreased over-sweep and under-sweep by utilizing the composite support member <NUM> and also benefits from the capability to dispense a fluid onto windshield <NUM> of the aircraft to aid in cleaning windshield <NUM> to improve visibility for both the pilot and copilot operating the aircraft.

A wiper blade for use on a windshield of an aircraft, the wiper blade comprising: a support member coupled to a blade element, wherein the support member is constructed from a composite material; a clip coupled to and surrounding at least a portion of the support member and at least a portion of the blade element; and a wash tube integral with the support member, wherein the wash tube is fluidly coupled to a plurality of nozzles spaced along a length of the wiper blade.

The wiper blade of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations and/or additional components:.

The wash tube receives a fluid from a fluid line fluidly coupled to the wash tube, and wherein the wash tube dispenses the fluid through the plurality of nozzles onto the windshield of the aircraft.

A coupler coupled to and surrounding at least a portion of the support member and at least a portion of the blade element.

The wiper blade comprises a plurality of clips, and wherein an equal number of clips are positioned on each side of the coupler.

At least two clips are coupled to and surrounding at least a portion of the support member and at least a portion of the blade element, and wherein the at least two clips are spaced equidistant from the coupler.

A center support is positioned at a center location of the support member with respect to a length of the support member, and wherein the center support is coupled to the coupler, and wherein the center support is coupled to the wash tube through a weld or brazed joint.

The wash tube is positioned adjacent the support member and coupled to the clip.

The clip comprises a clamp extending outwards from a first side of the clip, and wherein the clamp couples the wash tube to the clip.

An inner diameter of the clamp is equal to an outer diameter of the wash tube; the clamp comprises an entry extending through the first side of the clip; and a height of the entry in a direction parallel to the first side is less than the outer diameter of the wash tube.

The wash tube includes end caps positioned at each distal end of the wash tube; the end caps are coupled to the wash tube through a weld or brazed joint; and a diameter of the end caps is larger than a diameter of the wash tube.

The clip comprises a first extension extending inward from a first side of the clip and a second extension extending inward from a second side of the clip; and the first extension is perpendicular to the first side and the second extension is perpendicular to the second side.

The first extension and the second extension engage the blade element when the clip is coupled to the blade element.

The clip comprises a first aperture extending through a first side of the clip and a second aperture extending through a second side of the clip; and wherein a central axis of the first aperture is axially aligned with a central axis of the second aperture.

A fastener extends through the first aperture, the second aperture, and a blade aperture extending through the blade element to secure the clip to the blade element.

The wash tube is an aperture that extends fully through the support member, from a first end of the support member to the second end of the support member.

A plug positioned at each distal end of the wash tube, wherein an outer diameter of the plugs are smaller than an outer diameter of the wash tube, and wherein the plugs are inserted into the distal ends of the wash tube.

The plurality of nozzles are apertures that extend through the support member, and wherein the plurality of nozzles are spaced along a length of the support member.

A fluid input extending into the support member and fluidly connecting to the wash tube within the support member.

The fluid input is an aperture that is positioned at approximately a center of the support member with respect to a length of the support member.

Claim 1:
A wiper blade (<NUM>) for use on a windshield of an aircraft, the wiper blade comprising:
a support member (<NUM>) coupled to a blade element (<NUM>);
a clip (<NUM>) coupled to and surrounding at least a portion of the support member (<NUM>) and at least a portion of the blade element (<NUM>);
a wash tube (<NUM>) integral with the support member (<NUM>), wherein the wash tube (<NUM>) is fluidly coupled to a plurality of nozzles (<NUM>) spaced along a length of the wiper blade (<NUM>); and
a coupler (<NUM>) coupled to and surrounding at least a portion of the support member (<NUM>) and at least a portion of the blade element (<NUM>);
wherein the wash tube (<NUM>) receives a fluid from a fluid line (<NUM>) fluidly coupled to the wash tube (<NUM>), and wherein the wash tube (<NUM>) dispenses the fluid through the plurality of nozzles (<NUM>) onto the windshield of the aircraft; characterized in that:
the support member is constructed from a composite material, and
a center support is positioned at a center location of the support member (<NUM>) with respect to a length of the support member (<NUM>), and wherein the center support (<NUM>) is coupled to the coupler (<NUM>), and wherein the center support (<NUM>) is coupled to the wash tube (<NUM>) through a weld or brazed joint.