Analysis and Synthesis of Windshield Wiper Mechanism

Purpose: To perform a structural and kinematic analysis of a six-link windshield wiper mechanism based on the synthesis of the mechanism using the specified initial and final positions of the output link, to specify the mechanism links’ dimensions. Methods: The present paper is an examination of extant publications concerning the methods of synthesis, kinematics and dynamics of windshield wiper mechanisms. The analysis of existing mechanism designs was performed and their classification presented. A standard windshield wiper mechanism diagram was selected for analysis. A kinematic analysis of the six-link mechanism was performed using the vector contour method. The crank-rocker mechanism was synthesized. Results: A mathematical model of the six-link lever mechanism has been developed in the MathCAD environment, which allows for the determination of the kinematic characteristics of any link or characteristic point of the mechanism based on the kinematic parameters of the input link. The dimensions of the crank, connecting rod and rocker links of the mechanism have been specified. Practical significance: The developed algorithm and software calculation code can be used to calculate the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of a wide class of flat multi-link lever mechanisms.