A method of keeping a viewing area through a transparent element of an optical monitoring device clear, comprising: forming a closed film of a liquid on the transparent element, and coupling ultrasonic waves into the transparent element. The loosening of contaminations and/or adhesions to the transparent element is promoted by the ultrasonic waves coupled into the liquid film and/or the transparent element.

A vehicle door defines a window opening and include a structure having a surface defining a portion of a lower edge of the window opening and a recess extending downwardly from the surface. A window extends across the window opening. A window wiper is mounted to the structure and has a parked position in which the window wiper is positioned in the recess. The structure may be an applique and the recess may include a perforated wall permitting drainage into a channel defined by the applique. A drive unit for driving the window wiper may be mounted to a structural portion of the applique with non-structural portions extending to either side. A heating element may be mounted to the recess to facilitate melting of snow and ice. The drive unit may include a motor with an axis of rotation perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the window wiper.

A vehicle door defines a window opening and include a structure having a surface defining a portion of a lower edge of the window opening and a recess extending downwardly from the surface. A window extends across the window opening. A window wiper is mounted to the structure and has a parked position in which the window wiper is positioned in the recess. The structure may be an applique and the recess may include a perforated wall permitting drainage into a channel defined by the applique. A drive unit for driving the window wiper may be mounted to a structural portion of the applique with non-structural portions extending to either side. A heating element may be mounted to the recess to facilitate melting of snow and ice. The drive unit may include a motor with an axis of rotation perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the window wiper.

A control circuit operatively attached to a motor is provided. The motor includes a first input and a second input and is configured to operate at a first speed and a second speed. The control circuit includes a first speed switch unit configured to connect the battery to the first input, a second speed switch unit configured to connect the battery to the second input, the second speed switch unit configured to block a current generated from a back electromotive force of the motor, and a braking switch unit interposed between the second speed switch unit and the second input, the braking switch unit configured to connect the motor to a ground to stop the motor from operating. The control circuit further including a free-wheeling diode and a discharge diode configured to dissipate and discharge inductive current generated by the motor.

A control circuit operatively attached to a motor is provided. The motor includes a first input and a second input and is configured to operate at a first speed and a second speed. The control circuit includes a first speed switch unit configured to connect the battery to the first input, a second speed switch unit configured to connect the battery to the second input, the second speed switch unit configured to block a current generated from a back electromotive force of the motor, and a braking switch unit interposed between the second speed switch unit and the second input, the braking switch unit configured to connect the motor to a ground to stop the motor from operating. The control circuit further including a free-wheeling diode and a discharge diode configured to dissipate and discharge inductive current generated by the motor.

A detection system for a target vehicle includes a camera capturing images of a region external to the target vehicle, a RADAR module that scans the region to detect a depth of a splash event in the region, an actuator configured to operate in response to a response signal and control circuitry configured to determine a distance between the target vehicle and a front of the splash event based on the images, compare the front of the splash event to the depth to determine an intensity of the splash event, and communicate the response signal based on the intensity of the splash event.

In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a system include, a wiper arm configured to sweep along a sweep zone defined between a start position and an end sweep position. A wiper drive shaft is operatively connected at a proximal end to the wiper arm to drive the wiper arm between the start position and the end sweep position. At least an angular encoder is operatively connected to a distal end of the wiper drive shaft configured to record an actual position of the wiper arm. A controller is operatively connected to the encoder to receive positon wiper arm position data therefrom.

The present invention relates to a wiper system for a glazed surface, with at least one main body which includes at least one blade rubber designed to come into contact with the glazed surface and at least one embedded motorized member for setting in motion, which is configured to drive a linear movement of the main body along the glazed surface.

The present invention relates to a wiper system for a glazed surface, with at least one main body which includes at least one blade rubber designed to come into contact with the glazed surface and at least one embedded motorized member for setting in motion, which is configured to drive a linear movement of the main body along the glazed surface.

The system comprises a controller, an electronic data processor, or both that are configured to control the wiper motor consistent with an operator-defined wiping intensity request. A user interface is configured to input the operator-defined wiping intensity request. In a learning mode, the electronic data processor can learn or record the operator-defined wiping intensity request associated with a respective operator identifier for a series of sampling intervals during operation of the vehicle. First, in the learning mode, a windshield clarity detector is configured to detect an observed clarity state of the windshield of a vehicle for the series of respective sampling intervals to augment the operator-defined wiping intensity request associated with a respective operator identifier. Second, in the learning mode for the series of sampling intervals, the electronic data processor configured to store in a data storage device the augmented observed clarity state of the windshield, and the operator-defined wiping intensity that are associated with a respective operator identifier.