A method is provided for improving the wiping capabilities of a
windshield wiper by causing the
windshield wiper blade to vibrate or oscillate in a direction parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the blade during a
windshield wiper sweep. The vibrating mode causes less wear on the blade due to windshield abrasion since the blade edge does not contact the same eroded point on the windshield all the time. Secondly, any debris that is caught underneath the blade is quickly ejected due to the vibrating action. In one embodiment, an electromechanical vibrating unit is secured at one or more positions to the blade, with the
actuator being driven by a 12-
volt source and provided with a quickie disconnect at the center of the blade support structure. The vibrating
actuator may be an electromechanically drive off-centered weight, a vibrating
linear actuator, an ultrasonic vibrator, or a vibrator in the form of a piezoelectric
crystal, with the primary mode of oscillation translating the blade along its centerline. The result is that debris underneath the blade is thrown out, including leaf stems, leaves and particulate matter, with the periodic translation of the blade providing more uniform water removal during the wiping operation to provide clearer
visibility through the windshield regardless of the amount of water on the windshield, whether it be from a sporadic sprinkle or a torrential downpour. Wiper life is extended since the blade edge's position on the windshield is constantly varied during wiper sweeps.