Challenges for Windscreen Wiper Motors
Very few of us think about the importance and impact of the windscreen wiper. Until it stops working of course.
There are a number of challenges faced by train operators, which have to be addressed by the OEM designers when working on these systems.
Harsh Environmental Conditions – Windscreen wipers need to work reliably in temperature extremes (both hot and cold) faced by their rail system, as well as continued exposure to dust, moisture, snow, and ice. All of this can lead to corrosion and mechanical wear which can result in downtime and cancelled journeys.
Vibration and Shock – Trains generate significant vibration and shock through BAU operation, which can be damaging to motor components or can loosen mountings over time. This ultimately can lead to unscheduled downtime.
Reliability and Safety – Should a wiper motor fail, this can compromise driver visibility especially in extreme weather conditions which will then present a health and safety concern.
Maintenance Challenges – Wiper motors can be difficult to access, which makes inspection and repairs time-consuming.
Power and Control Issues – With train systems covering large distances, variations in the power supply (often 24V or 110V DC) can cause performance instability or overheating. With older systems in particular, this can reduce efficiency and adaptability.
Noise and Vibration – All component operating noises and vibrations can add to cabin noise, reducing passenger and driver comfort as well as raising health and safety concerns.
Component Lifespan – Continuous use in harsh, extreme or poor weather conditions can shorten the lifespan of motors and linkages, which can lead to inefficient wiping and eventual failure and system downtime.
Integration with Modern Systems – Many legacy systems may not easily integrate with newer driver assistance systems or train control software. Therefore integration can be expensive and can result in compromised performance.
