Method for detecting the position of a wiper arm (5) for a system (1) for wiping a vehicle window (3), comprising the steps consisting in: a) measuring or estimating (35) at least one parameter for determining the maintenance or service position, b) comparing (37) the measured or estimated value of said parameter with a reference value or a range of reference values, and c) determining, from the results of the comparison, whether the wiper arm is in maintenance or service position.

Method for detecting the position of a wiper arm (5) for a system (1) for wiping a vehicle window (3), comprising the steps consisting in: a) measuring or estimating (35) at least one parameter for determining the maintenance or service position, b) comparing (37) the measured or estimated value of said parameter with a reference value or a range of reference values, and c) determining, from the results of the comparison, whether the wiper arm is in maintenance or service position.

Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for controlling intermittent operation of windshield wiper systems for vehicles. In accordance with one embodiment, a control system for a vehicle windshield wiper system includes one or more detection units and a processor. The one or more detection units are coupled to a user interface disposed onboard the vehicle, and are configured to detect an amount of time pertaining to a position or engagement of a user interface for the wiper system. The processor is coupled to the one or more detection units, and is configured to at least facilitate updating a time step for intermittent operation for the wiper system based at least in part on the amount of time.

Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for controlling intermittent operation of windshield wiper systems for vehicles. In accordance with one embodiment, a control system for a vehicle windshield wiper system includes one or more detection units and a processor. The one or more detection units are coupled to a user interface disposed onboard the vehicle, and are configured to detect an amount of time pertaining to a position or engagement of a user interface for the wiper system. The processor is coupled to the one or more detection units, and is configured to at least facilitate updating a time step for intermittent operation for the wiper system based at least in part on the amount of time.

A system for detecting noise generated by a windshield wiper on a vehicle including a cabin is provided. The system includes a detector for detecting noise generated by the windshield wiper. A processor is provided for generating a signal based on the noise detected by the detector. A controller may also receive the signal and regulate the operation of the windshield wiper, including by adaptive control based on a vehicle operator's desired setting of a speed of the wiper in an intermittent mode of operation. The signal may also be used to notify a service provider of the need for servicing the windshield wiper. Related methods are also disclosed.

A system for detecting noise generated by a windshield wiper on a vehicle including a cabin is provided. The system includes a detector for detecting noise generated by the windshield wiper. A processor is provided for generating a signal based on the noise detected by the detector. A controller may also receive the signal and regulate the operation of the windshield wiper, including by adaptive control based on a vehicle operator's desired setting of a speed of the wiper in an intermittent mode of operation. The signal may also be used to notify a service provider of the need for servicing the windshield wiper. Related methods are also disclosed.

A window wiper system includes a wiper assembly, a window moisture sensor, a wiper torque sensor and a control module. The control module is responsive to the window moisture sensor and the torque sensor to control the operation of the window wiper assembly.

A wiper system for a vehicle includes a first micromechanical device configured to detect a first ambient condition and a second micromechanical device configured to detect a second ambient condition. The first micromechanical device is configured to communicate with the second micromechanical device, and the first ambient condition is different to the second ambient condition. The first micromechanical device and the second micromechanical device are configured to operate at least one wiper such that the first ambient condition and the second ambient condition are fulfilled. The at least one wiper of the wiper system is configured to remove moisture of a window of the vehicle.

A wiper system incorporates a wiper motor provided with a wireless interface to provide electric power and control signals to the wiper motor. Thus, a direct electric/signal wire connection to the wiper motor is eliminated. A wireless transmitter may be provided within a first body portion of a vehicle and a wireless receiver and a wiper motor are provided in a second body portion of the vehicle. The second body portion may be moveable relative to the first body portion, such as, for example, a lift gate moving relative to a body opening.

A wiper system incorporates a wiper motor provided with a wireless interface to provide electric power and control signals to the wiper motor. Thus, a direct electric/signal wire connection to the wiper motor is eliminated. A wireless transmitter may be provided within a first body portion of a vehicle and a wireless receiver and a wiper motor are provided in a second body portion of the vehicle. The second body portion may be moveable relative to the first body portion, such as, for example, a lift gate moving relative to a body opening.