Engine Efficiency In Trucking

In the 20th century efficiency is of prime importance for most commercial trucking companies where reduced fuel consumption leads to more saving and profits for the customers. The primary area of research is to improve engine efficiency; another important area is to improve the overall aero dynamics of the vehicle. In this endeavour some companies are going in for curvy or aero dynamics windscreens. Current wiping solutions are not able to wipe the curved area of windscreen and therefore are not safe to be used on production vehicles. As there is currently no solution for wiping curved windscreens and considering the immense scope it holds is what has motivated me to take up this project.

COMPANY PROFILE

1.1 Volvo
The Volvo Group headquartered

Every vehicle, including excavators, boats and some aircraft, are equipped with windscreen wipers, which are now a days a strict legal requirement.
A wiper mainly consists of an arm, pivoting at one end and with a rubber blade also known as wiper blade attached to its end. The blade is made to swing back and forth over the windscreen, pushing dirt and debris from its surface. The speed is usually adjustable by providing certain electronic control, with several different speeds and at least one "intermittent" setting. Most four wheelers use two synchronized radial type arms, while some commercial vehicles also use a pantograph arms.

1.2.1 History of Wipers
Invention of the first working windscreen wipers can be credited to Mary Anderson in the year 1903. In Anderson's patent, she called her invention a "window cleaning device" for electric cars and other vehicles. The device is operated using a lever from interior of the vehicle, her version of the windshield wipers developed decades ago is very similar to the wipers being used today. [2]

1.2.2 General Layout of a Wiper

It consist of a metal frame that acts as a mount for the actual wiper which is a metal-backed strip of either halogen hardened rubber or ordinary rubber. These types of wipers suits variety of windscreen and it the most affordable wipers available in the market [3]. Fig 1.04 Traditional Frame Type Wipers

Winter wipers

The winter wiper is considered to be an upgrade in functionality compared to the frame type wipers which is extremely inefficient in winter conditions .Winter blade, features a traditional frame type blade that is covered in a protective weather resistant rubber shell. This allows the framework of the wiper to remain free from ice and snow-which helps the wiper to function even in extreme climates.
Winter wipers are not aesthetically appealing nor are aero dynamic but winter wipers extremely important safety measure in extremely cold climates.

Fig 1.05 Winter Wiper