For more than a century, windshield wipers have been an essential accessory for cars, providing clear vision in inclement weather. Most drivers use windshield wipers regularly, but rarely consider their origins or how the technology evolved to make them a standard safety feature. Here, we'll learn to trace the history of this underappreciated invention, which provides fascinating insights into automotive innovation.
The First Wiper Patent in 1903
The origins of the modern windshield wiper can be traced back to 1903, when Mary Anderson witnessed a New York City streetcar driver struggling to see through a windshield covered in sleet. Inspired, Anderson designed a hand-operated device with a rubber blade that swept rain or snow from the windshield. Her 17-year-old patent for "Window Cleaning Device for Electric and Other Vehicles" put her in history as the inventor of the first known windshield wiper.
The Popularization of Enclosed Car Designs
In the early 20th century, cars transitioned from open-air designs to enclosed designs with windshields. This critical shift to enclosed cabs created a greater need for effective windshield wiping devices. By the time Anderson's invention was positioned to meet this growing need in the 1920s, her patent had expired. Cadillac became the first automaker to include windshield wipers as standard equipment on its enclosed models.
Electric Systems Emerge
As more Americans began to drive enclosed cars, manual windshield wipers were not practical for daily operation. Engineers pioneered electric motor-driven solutions. One of the first electric systems was the worm-gear drive wiper introduced by Bosch in 1928. It remained the dominant choice until hydraulic systems began to gain favor a decade later for their reliability.
Aerodynamic Wiper Blade Designs Emerge
Early wiper blade inspection and replacement consisted of bristles or rubber scrapers, which limited flexibility. In the 1960s, improving the aerodynamics of the blade became a priority. This involved balancing attributes such as shape, curvature, taper, and tilt to reduce drag. Aerodynamic wiper blades allow for more uniform surface contact at higher speeds, leaving no streaks or unwiped areas.
Intermittent Wipers for Convenience
Until now, windshield wiper operation has been binary: on or off. That changed in the early 1970s, when Cadillac introduced the industry's first delayed intermittent wipers. This setting allowed for adjustment of wipe intervals, ranging from 1 to 30 seconds. Manual activation of automotive wipers was no longer necessary, expanding driver convenience. Intermittent mode is now universally expected in cars.
Rain Sensor Technology Pioneered
As wipers evolved, so did efforts to optimize their functionality. In 1987, the first rain sensor control system was installed on the Mazda Luce Royal Classic. The rain sensor circuit detects moisture on the windshield and automatically adjusts the wiper speed accordingly. This innovation eliminated the need to manually adjust the intermittent setting. Most new cars now feature this intelligent, safety-enhancing, automatic rain sensor feature.
Heated Wiper Blades Come to Life
Harsh winter conditions still pose a challenge to visibility due to ice and snow clinging to wiper blades. Heated wiper technology offered a solution in the 2000s by installing small heating elements in the wiper blades to keep them above freezing. Popularized by brands like AIS Windshield Experts, this feature keeps wiper blades optimally flexible for streak-free wiping even in extremely cold weather.
The Next Generation Awaits
For more than 120 years since their inception, windshield wipers have been an integral and evolving part of automotive functionality. As automotive technology continues to move toward automation and electrification, wipers are expected to improve further as well. From advanced sensors to long-lasting graphite coatings, the next generation of wipers promises safer, distraction-free winter driving. When you fire up your wipers during your next commute, take a moment to appreciate the step-by-step journey behind this underrated innovation.
Conclusion
After more than a century of incremental innovation, windshield wipers, once manually operated, have become advanced automated devices for safe driving. When it’s time to replace your windshield wipers, choose Guangzhou Eswiper blades, designed for perfect wiping and long life. Replace your windshield wipers with Guangzhou Eswiper blades today and experience the pinnacle of windshield wiper technology.