When thinking about improving a vehicle's fuel economy, wiper blades probably don't come to many drivers' minds. But new wiper blade systems, which operate in a ''butterfly motion'' rather than the traditional tandem left and right motion, could be the future of how drivers see in the rain, sleet and snow, according to officials. Watch video
FLAT ROCK, MI- When thinking about improving a vehicle’s fuel economy, wiper blades probably don’t come to many drivers’ minds.
But new wiper blade systems, which operate in a “butterfly motion” rather than the traditional tandem left and right motion, could be the future of how drivers see in the rain, sleet and snow, according to officials.
Tom Hackbardt, Robert Bosch senior engineer of electrical drives NA, said the company’s "direct drive” system (see video below) -- the industry’s first to be applied to a mass market, high-volume vehicle platform -- reduces part count,weight and complexity.
“Ford is the leader on this technology,” he told MLive.com during the 2012 Bosch Product Day at its Flat Rock proving grounds in late-September. “They’re using it on the Focus. They have plans to use it on other vehicles.”
Robert Bosch's "direct drive" wiper blade system (two pieces in front) operate in a butterfly motion rather than the traditional tandem left and right motion (back). (Michael Wayland | MLive.com)
Hackbardt said the wiper system, which premiered on the Ford Focus globally last year, reduces weight by about 3.3 pounds compared to a traditional wiper system, allows for better vision thanks to its “maximum wipe pattern,” can be installed easily across numerous models and can be programmed for different countries’ regulations.
Richard Truett, a Ford Motor Co. spokesman, said the Dearborn-based automaker is looking at installing the new wipers on future models, but nothing has been finalized.
“It’s just one of those small things that we could do that would help make the car have a greater appeal,” he told MLive.com. “Most people never think of their windshield wipers … but if you can give some extra functionality there, why not?”
While 3.3 pounds doesn’t see like a lot, officials say a lot of small differences can make big strides in lowering a vehicle’s weight. From looking at eliminating CD players to using carbon fiber parts, automakers, including the Detroit Three, are continuously looking to increase fuel economy in inventive ways.
Truett said the new system costs more, but in the long run, it saves Ford money on parts, shipping and testing.
The new system, according to Hackbardt, uses two separate motors that the wipers are directly connected to instead of the traditional longer system (see photo above).
Hackbardt added the new system provides the same, if not more, power than the traditional system, but can also automatically control how fast the wipers go based on their need.
“When you’re looking at the total cost the OEM will have to spend on it, it’s substantially less,” he said. “If we’re putting this on the F-150, if we’re putting this on the Fusion, if we’re putting this on any vehicle, the motors are going to be the same.”
Officials declined to release how much the new system initially costs compared to the traditional system. Both use the same type of wipers.
Editor's note: This is the second article in a six-part MLive.com/Auto series called Car Tech. The series is about exploring how new technologies are expected to shape, and reshape, the U.S. auto industry. Follow the series here or on Twitter with #CarTech.