In this creative design process a number of designs were constructed, implemented and tested in order to assess the feasibility of using high speed to create a curtain to repel the rain from the automobile windshield instead of using the traditional wiper blades.
The primary two methods tested used a compression system and a blower system that allowed the air to flow upward and parallel to the windshield. Both of the applications showed potential especially when coupled with a hydrophobic coating covering the windshield.
The design using the high-speed squirrel cage blowers was implemented on an actual car in which it revealed positive results, which will be further assessed for patenting potential.
Source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Author: Heyward, Moses A