Bosch Touts Smart Windshield Wiper Technology

Robert Bosch GmbH says its new Jet Wiper technology is more precise, efficient and durable, as well as quieter and lighter, than conventional windshield wiper systems. It will introduce the system later this year as standard equipment on the new Volvo XC90 SUV.

The Jet Wiper system teams Bosch's current Aerotwin wiper blades with a smart controller, an advanced wiper drive and spray nozzles integrated directly onto the wiper arm. The design can reduce the use of washer fluid by as much as 50% while minimizing spray mist a potential impairment to a driver's vision and cleaning the windshield more thoroughly, the company says.

The nozzles, which are heated during cold weather, distribute the washer fluid evenly over the entire length of the wiper blade. To achieve the best cleaning effect, spraying is done only when a wiper arm is moving upward, which is detected by the system's integrated electronics.

Conventional wiper systems, which spray washer fluid from nozzles mounted at the base of the windshield and hood, are less effective as vehicle speed increases and airflow diverts spray. Mounting the nozzles along the wiper arm virtually eliminates this problem, according to Bosch.

In addition, the Jet Wiper nozzles use tiny valves that open and close more quickly as needed, thus reducing drips. The system's reversing wiper drive alternates the rotation of the motor, which Bosch says improves efficiency. Weight can be reduced due to the potential use of a smaller washer reservoir.

Bosch's Aerotwin rubber wipers, which were ranked the best out of eight wipers tested this year by Germany's ADAC automobile club, feature a flexible back, wear-resistant edge and smooth coating to improve durability and reduce noise.

A customized spring strip adapts the wipers more precisely to the curvature of a vehicle's windshield to provide even surface pressure at every point on the windshield. And the blade's aerodynamic profile keeps it anchored to the windshield at highway speeds. A sophisticated clip system allows the blades to be quickly and easily replaced as needed.