The Interesting History Behind Windshield Wipers In Your Car

For over a century, the windshield wiper has been an integral automotive accessory, providing clear visibility in inclement weather. Most drivers use windshield wipers routinely with little thought to their origins or the step-by-step progression in technology that has enabled windshield wipers to become a standard safety feature. Here, we will learn to trace the history of this underappreciated invention that offers a fascinating insight into automotive innovation.

Step 1: The First Windshield Wiper Patent in 1903

The roots of the modern windshield wiper can be traced back to 1903 when Mary Anderson witnessed a New York City trolley driver struggling to see through his sleet-covered windshield. Inspired to help, Anderson designed a hand-operated device with a rubber blade that could sweep rain or snow off a windshield. She was granted a 17-year patent for her "window cleaning device for electric cars and other vehicles," placing her in history as the inventor behind the first known windshield wiper.

Step 2: The Popularisation of Closed Car Designs

In the early 20th century, cars transitioned from open-air to closed-car designs with windshields. This key shift toward enclosed driving compartments created a greater need for effective windshield-wiping mechanisms. Anderson's patent had expired by the time her invention was positioned to meet this growing demand in the 1920s. Cadillac became the first car manufacturer to introduce windshield wipers as a standard feature on their closed car models.

Step 3: Electric Powered Systems Emerge

As more Americans began driving enclosed cars, manually powered windshield wipers were impractical for routine operations. Engineers pioneered electric motor-powered solutions. One of the earliest electric systems was Bosch's worm gear drive wiper, introduced in 1928. It remained the dominant choice until hydraulic systems started gaining favour later in the decade for their reliability.

Step 4: Aerodynamic Blade Design Arrives

Early wiper blade checks and replacements were composed of brush bristles or rubber squeegees with limited flexibility. In the 1960s, refining blade aerodynamics became a priority. This involved balancing attributes like shape, curvature, taper, and slant to reduce drag. Aerodynamic blades enabled more uniform surface contact at higher speeds without streaking or unwiped areas.

Step 5: Intermittent Wipers Bring Convenience

Up to this point, windshield wiper operation was binary: on or off. This changed in the early 1970s when Cadillac rolled out the industry's first delay-action intermittent wipers. This setting allowed adjustment of the interval between wipes from around 1 to 30 seconds. No longer having to activate the wiper for car expanded driving convenience manually. Intermittent mode is now universally expected in cars.

Step 6: Rain Sensor Technology Is Pioneered

As wipers evolved, so did efforts to optimise their functionality. In 1987, the first rain sensor control system was installed on the Mazda Luce Royal Classic. Rain sensor circuitry detects moisture on the windshield and automatically adjusts wiping speed accordingly. This innovation eliminated the need to adjust intermittent settings manually. Most new vehicles now have this intelligent, safety-enhancing auto rain sensor capability.

Step 7: Heated Wiper Blades Emerge

Harsh winter conditions can still pose visibility challenges from ice and packed snow sticking to wiper blades. Heated wiper technology presented a solution in the 2000s with small heating elements in the blades that warm them above freezing. This feature, popularised by brands like AIS Windshield Experts, keeps blades optimally pliable for streak-free wiping, even in extreme cold.

Step 8: The Next Generation Awaits

Over 120 years since their inception, windshield wipers remain an integral, ever-evolving wiper for car features. As vehicle technology continues trending toward increasing automation and electrification, wipers are poised for further improvements. From advanced sensors to long-lasting graphite coatings, the next generation of windshield wipers promises even safer, distraction-free winter driving. When you activate your wipers during your next commute, take a moment to appreciate the step-by-step journey behind this underrated innovation.

Conclusion

Through over a century of incremental innovations, the once manually operated windshield wiper has become an advanced, automated fixture of safe driving. When it's time to replace your wipers, choose AIS Windshield Experts for their next-generation blades engineered for flawless wiping and longevity. Experience the peak of windshield wiper technology today by replacing your wipers with AIS Windshield Experts.