Dynamic Modeling and Control of the Windshield Wiper Mechanisms

Determining the real behavior of the windshield wiper mechanisms is a priority in the design stage since the emergence of the computer graphic simulation. The paper attempts to analyze and simulate the windshield wiper systems by using a complex virtual prototyping platform, which integrates specific software solutions for realizing the 3D solid model (CATIA), modeling the MBS mechanical model (ADAMS), and controlling the mechanism (MATLAB). For applying the design strategy, we considered a tandem pattern double-lever system, which is approached in the concurrent engineering concept, by integrating the control system in the mechanical model at the virtual prototype level. To drive the mechanism, a DC motor is used, the objective being to control the angular velocity of the rotor, which is the input parameter in the mechanical model; the output, which is transmitted to the controller, is the motor torque. Driving the system by using the motor torque is more realistic than attaching a motion generator and driving the motion directly. Key-Words: Windshield wiper mechanism, Multibody system, Mechatronic model, Virtual prototype