1.0 INTRODUCTION

Car’s wiper is a part of car to remove any item that suddenly appears on the front mirror.

Every car in this world has a pair of wipers. Wiper has many types depends on the company that

produces it. It also has its quality value, the more quality of the product the higher the price will

be. Many components involves on it when install the wiper at car. Wiper can be produce by

certain material. Almost all the wiper are create with alloy and rubber because this material can

hold longer and corrosion resistance. How effective the existing wiper in the market?

Nowadays, accident always happened in our country because of the careless from the

driver itself. Sometimes technical problem also can lead to accident. One of the technical

problems is occur during wet season. The accident will occur when the driver view had been

blocked by the rain or snow hitting their windshield. This may give an effective effect to the

driving itself. In our country the climate is hot and humid all along the year, so the road is at high

risk during the rainy season. If we look back, there was no product in our local market that can

keep all this remote controls in a place. Therefore, appear an idea to design a Rain Tracker

Wiper Control.

Figure 1: Rain Tracker Wiper Control

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1.1 OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this product are:

1. To automatically start or stop the wiper if it should be starts or stops by raindrop.

2. To automatically control the speed of wiper squeak when the windshield getting dry by

raindrop.

3. To make sure the drive more safe & easier.

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

1. If we look at the road the driver sometimes not alert with the raindrop.

2. Drivers sometimes face the different weather. So this product can help detect the size of

raindrop either it was heavy rain. If there is no time to get much movement to adjust their

car wiper as it is raining.

3. There are some driver that low ability that need a few or limits movement when

conducting the wheel, this Rain Tracker will help this driving more safely and helpful.

4. Driver sometimes cannot expect what, where, or when the rain will stop. So they actually

forget to turn off the wiper that still work on. This Rain Tracker was design to stop

automatically if they were no raindrop on the windscreen.

5. Weather cannot be control so the risk of the driver to meet with rain is high. So if using

the not quality front mirror in their car, sometimes the view are dim when the rain too

heavy.

6. Wiper is sensitive part in the car component; if the speed of the wiper is not parallel with

the flow of the rain maybe it can cause the problem to the wiper.

7. Only a wiper control to on the wiper, if the switch if broken it can cause a problem when

raining.

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1.3 SCOPE

Our project scope will focus on to make sure these products are fully working

automatically controlling the windscreen wiper. The function and the type of component are

included. There are several cars which we will discuss in project which uses in our country. Only

for common examples of the design and briefly discuss about the material and the installation, as

there have many types of material use. The historical and the development of the design will not

be mentioned in our research project.

1.4 THE DESIGN PROCESS

Below is the steps process in designing the product:

Figure 2: Flow of design process

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Background research

Searching for information and data

Analyze the system

Investigate the system

Submit the final draft report

Develop design and functionality

Flow chart

Chart 1: The flow of the process to generate the project

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2.0 FUNCTION OF PRODUCT

This Rain Tracker Wiper Control has many functions such as:

To keep the driving safe and easier.

- When the driver drives their car and suddenly raining, this Rain Tracker can work on

the spot when its sensor detects the raindrop.

Can automatically control the speed of wiper squeak depend on the speed of rain.

- The speed of raindrop can be unexpected, but if using Rain Tracker the sensor can

detect the speed of rain drop and control the speed of wiper depend on the raindrop.

Can help the drivers reduce their movement when driving.

- When the wiper works automatically, the driver can concentrate on driving.

Can be install to all type of car that having a terrible change of weather at their country.

- This product can be installing in any types of car and not for certain type only. It

means either Toyota, Honda, Nissan or any brand of car can use this product.

Can make customer easy to continue their journey.

- The driver can drive properly without thinking that they will forget to open the wiper

if raining because the Rain Tracker can help them to switch on the wiper

automatically.

It also can decorate the back wind screen wiper.

- This product not just helps to detect the raindrop but also can be functioned as a

decoration to the car to look more modern with new concept.

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2.1 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION

1. GET A WIRING DIAGRAM FOR YOUR VEHICLE

- If the instructions refer to either the HSS or GSS diagrams included with this manual, write

specific vehicle wire colors on the diagram. If the instructions call for external components, they

are usually included in the accessory kit.

2. TEST THE EXISTING WIPER SYSTEM

- Make sure that the existing wiper system works in off, intermittent (if so equipped), slow, and

fast modes of operation, and the wash motor works.

3. LOCATE THE WIPER SYSTEM PARTS

- You will likely need to remove access panels. You can often trace wires from the switch or

motor, or listen for clicking relays when the wiper system is in intermittent mode.

4. MOUNT THE RAIN TRACKER ACTIVATION / SENSITIVITY SWITCH

- The supplied round activation switch turns the Rain Tracker on to default sensitivity. Mount the

switch before you connect the switch wires to the Rain Tracker. Select a mounting location in a

dash knock-out panel, or in an under-dash panel (available at auto parts store.) To mount the

round activation switch, drill a hole (5/8 inch or ¾ inch depending on switch model supplied)

and file the hole slightly larger until the switch can press in appropriately. File a locating notch

as needed. Other styles of (SINGLE POLE) switches are available from Radio Shack and other

suppliers.

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5. INSTALL THE RAIN TRACKER INTERFACE MODULE

- Make sure the location you select for the module will not conflict with the operation of any

equipment, such as accelerator or brake cables. Use the wiring diagram as a guide in connecting

the Rain Tracker interface module into the existing wiper system.

- Connect the wires as shown in the diagram. If the diagram requires that you make a chassis

ground connection, find a suitable metal frame member and screw, and make sure that it is free

of paint. Bad grounds are the most common problems we encounter when troubleshooting Rain

Tracker installations.

- Plug in the interface connector so that its locking ramp engages the locking ramp on the

interface module.

6. INSTALL THE SENSOR

- Select a coupler mounting location within the area swept by the wipers, and out of the shade

band. Just below the mirror mount is usually a good location. Tip: mark the location with a piece

of masking tape on the outside of the windshield, and stand back from the vehicle to make sure

the mark is level. Prime the sensor mounting location with isopropyl alcohol.

Figure 3: Installation sensor process

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7. INSTALL THE SENSOR CABLE

- Connect one end of the sensor cable to the sensor, and route the cable under the head liner and

down the vehicle's trim to connect it to the interface module.

8. SECURE THE INTERFACE MODULE

- Use cable ties to secure the interface module to a bracket or convenient location. Reinstall

access panels as needed.

9. TEST THE RAIN TRACKER SYSTEM WITH A SPRAY BOTTLE OR GARDEN

HOSE

- Turn the ignition to accessory mode. Use the wiper control switch to verify that all manual

modes (off, slow, fast, and wash) work. Put the system in Rain Tracker mode by turning on the

activation switch. Spray a light mist at the sensor and verify that the Rain Tracker runs the

wipers in intermittent mode. Spray more water and confirm operation in steady slow and fast

speeds.

Figure 4: Wiring diagram

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2.2 TROUBLESHOOTING

2.2.1 SENSOR SENSITIVITY ISSUES

i) WIPES TOO MUCH

- Make sure the Rain Tracker is in an area that is being completely cleared by the

wipers. Sometimes at the edges of wipe patterns the wipers leave a film of water,

and this will make the Rain Tracker wipe too much. Also, worn wiper blades will

cause excessive follow-up wipes.

ii) WILL NOT SENSE RAIN OR WIPES TOO LITTLE

- Make sure the Rain Tracker coupler is properly mounted to the windshield, and is

reasonably free of air bubbles. Note that the Rain Tracker will not see through the

red tape- the coupler must be mounted to the glass. Also, the glass just over the

sensor should be free from windshield treatments.

2.2.2 VEHICLE INTERFACE ISSUES

Check Ground First - Check that the Rain Tracker is getting a good ground. Use a multi-meter

to verify that the resistance between the black ground wire on the Rain Tracker interface

connector and the vehicle chassis is less than two ohms.

One or more manual modes (Off, Slow, Fast, Wash) does not work – If so, then the problem

is in the interface wiring, not the sensor.

Wipers still run after you stop spraying water at it - This is to remove water that may blow

off the hood onto the windshield, but miss the sensor. When you spray the Rain Tracker with a

spray bottle, it will appear to accelerate too slowly, and keep going too long. When you drive

with the Rain Tracker in a real rain storm, it will respond appropriately to changing conditions,

and will not appear jerky or erratic.

All manual modes work, but in auto mode the wipers wipe every five seconds, regardless of

rain conditions - If so, then the sensor or connection to it is bad. Be sure you did not damage the

sensor cable.

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2.2.3 LED DIAGNOSTIC CODES

An LED located near the AUX connector on the interface box flashes diagnostic codes. If

the LED is not flashing, check power and ground. The LED will flash a number of times with a

mode-code, and pause, and then a number of times with a sensitivity code. After a longer pause,

it will repeat the sequence. Sensitivity varies from 1 to 9, and will be at the default value of 5

unless an optional sensitivity control (model XC-1) is installed.

2.2.4 ADJUSTING THE SENSITIVITY

The Rain Tracker adjusts itself for the windshield of your car and typically requires no

adjustments. DIP Switches 1 through 3 allow you to adjust the coarse sensitivity of the system if

needed. For units with adjustable sensitivity this shifts the entire range of the sensitivity control

up or down.

SW 1 SW2 SW 3 SENSITIVITY

OFF OFF OFF NORMAL

OFF OFF ON INCREASE 1

OFF ON OFF INCREASE 2

OFF ON ON INCREASE 3

ON OFF OFF DECREASE 1

ON OFF ON DECREASE 2

ON ON OFF DECREASE 3

ON ON ON DECREASE 4

See if the problem might be the sensor: disconnect and check for 5 second intermittent

mode. When the system is in auto mode and there is no sensor connected, the Rain Tracker will

default to a 5 second intermittent delay cycle. You can use this to make sure that the Rain

Tracker is able to make the system run the wipers.

Wipers stop in middle of windshield, or will not run manual slow:

Check the wiring to J2 pin 8 (PPL)

Wipers will not run automatic-fast: Check wiring around J2 pins 9, 10

Automatic fast speed is slower than manual fast: Be sure you do not wire the system in some

way that applies power to both fast and slow windings with no blocking diode.10

2.3 WIPER PATTERN COMPATIBILITY

In most vehicles, the wipers move from side to side in tandem, making it easy to mount

the Rain Tracker sensor out of view, behind the rearview mirror.

Figure 5: Wipe pattern

Some vehicles use a center-out wipe pattern. The Rain Tracker needs to be in the area

swept by the wipers. It will not work if mounted behind the rearview mirror on these vehicles.

You can locate the sensor between the wipers when they are out of the park position, or up in a

corner of the windshield near the pillars-- but an inch and half away enough from the edge of the

pattern so the wipers do not leave a film of water.

Figure 6: Sensor location

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3.0 PRODUCT COMPONENTS

3.1 Sensor

Figure 7: Sensor

A sensor is a device which measures a physical quantity and converts it into a signal

which can be read by an observer or by an instrument. Sensors are used in everyday objects such

as touch-sensitive elevator buttons and lamps which dim or brighten by touching the base. There

are also innumerable applications for sensors of which most people are never aware. A sensor's

sensitivity indicates how much the sensor's output changes when the measured quantity changes.

A good sensor obeys the following rules:

the sensor should be sensitive to the measured property

the sensor should be insensitive to any other property

the sensor should not influence the measured property

Ideal sensors are designed to be linear. The output signal of such a sensor is linearly

proportional to the value of the measured property. The sensitivity is then defined as the ratio

between output signal and measured property. For example, if a sensor measures temperature

and has a voltage output, the sensitivity is a constant with the unit [V/K]; this sensor is linear

because the ratio is constant at all points of measurement.

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3.2 Diodes

Function:

Diodes allow electricity to flow in only one direction. The arrow of the circuit symbol

shows the direction in which the current can flow. Diodes are the electrical version of a valve

and early diodes were actually called valves.

3.2.1 Forward Voltage Drop

Electricity uses up a little energy pushing its way through the diode, rather like a person

pushing through a door with a spring. This means that there is a small voltage across a

conducting diode, it is called the forward voltage drop which are made from silicon. The forward

voltage drop of a diode is almost constant whatever the current passing through the diode so they

have a very steep characteristic.

3.2.2 Reverse Voltage

When a reverse voltage is applied a perfect diode does not conduct, but all real diodes

leak a very tiny current of a few µA or less. This can be ignored in most circuits because it will

be very much smaller than the current flowing in the forward direction. However, all diodes have

a maximum reverse voltage (usually 50V or more) and if this is exceeded the diode will fail and

pass a large current in the reverse direction, this is called breakdown.

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3.2.3 Protection Diodes for Relays

Signal diodes are also used to protect transistors and ICs from the brief high voltage

produced when a relay coil is switched off. Current flowing through a relay coil creates a

magnetic field which collapses suddenly when the current is switched off. The sudden collapse

of the magnetic field induces a brief high voltage across the relay coil which is very likely to

damage transistors and ICs. The protection diode allows the induced voltage to drive a brief

current through the coil (and diode) so the magnetic field dies away quickly rather than instantly.

This prevents the induced voltage becoming high enough to cause damage to transistors and ICs.

3.3 Windshield Wiper Motor

Figure 8: Wiper motor

A wiper motor uses electrical energy to produce mechanical energy. The reverse process,

that of using mechanical energy to produce electrical energy, accomplished by a generator or

dynamo. Operating at normal power line frequencies, the maximum output of wiper motors is

limited and motors exceeding one kilowatt are rare. The motor will apply a steady torque to the

load.

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3.3.1 Windscreen wiper

Figure 9: Wiper

A windscreen wiper is a device used to wipe rain and dirt from a windscreen. Almost all

automobiles are equipped with windscreen wipers, often by legal requirement. A wiper generally

consists of an arm, pivoting at one end and with a long rubber blade attached to the other. The

blade is swung back and forth over the glass, pushing water from its surface. The speed is

normally adjustable, with several continuous speeds and often one or more "intermittent"

settings. Most automobiles use two synchronized radial type arms, while many commercial

vehicles use one or more pantograph arms. Most windscreen wipers operate together with a

windscreen washer; a pump that supplies water and detergent (usually a blend called windscreen

wiper fluid) from a tank to the windscreen through small nozzles, mounted on the hood or on the

wipers, known as a 'wet-arm' system.

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3.4 Relay

Figure 10: Relay

A relay is an electrical switch that opens and closes under the control of another electrical

circuit. In the original form, the switch is operated by an electromagnet to open or close one or

many sets of contacts. It was invented by Joseph Henry in 1835. Because a relay is able to

control an output circuit of higher power than the input circuit, it can be considered to be, in a

broad sense, a form of an electrical amplifier.

3.4.1 Operation

When a current flows through the coil, the resulting magnetic field attracts an armature

that is mechanically linked to a moving contact. The movement either makes or breaks a

connection with a fixed contact. When the current to the coil is switched off, the armature is

returned by a force approximately half as strong as the magnetic force to its relaxed position.

Most relays are manufactured to operate quickly.

3.4.2 Overload Protection Relay

One type of electric motor overload protection relay is operated by a heating element in

series with the electric motor . The heat generated by the motor current operates a bi-metal strip

or melts solder, releasing a spring to operate contacts. Where the overload relay is exposed to the

same environment as the motor, a useful though crude compensation for motor ambient

temperature is provided.

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3.4.3 Applications

Relays are used:

To control a high-current circuit with a low-current signal, as in the starter solenoid of an

automobile.

To detect and isolate faults on transmission and distribution lines by opening and closing

circuit breakers (protection relays).

To isolate the controlling circuit from the controlled circuit when the two are at different

potentials, for example when controlling a mains-powered device from a low-voltage

switch. The latter is often applied to control office lighting as the low voltage wires are

easily installed in partitions, which may be often moved as needs change. They may also

be controlled by room occupancy detectors in an effort to conserve energy.

Safety-critical logic. Because relays are much more resistant than semiconductors to

nuclear radiation, they are widely used in safety-critical logic, such as the control panels

of radioactive waste-handling machinery.

Figure 11: Rain Tracker parts

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4.0 CONCLUSION

Comparison the project system with the common manually system

The comparison will be analyzed before the system will be able to the next stage, and

continuously will be develop in marketing. . Such the tracker should be able to understand what

the market needs, the comparison will depend with some factors, such as:-

1. The sensor

2. The type of wiper speed

3. Functionality

4. The size of the windscreen

1. The sensor

The sensor for this system is using the similarly component that the result will able to

detect the rain mass automatically.

2. The type of wiper speed

Wiper should be function as well as the car is on the road. During the rainy day, our rain

tracker system we can control the wiper automatically compared with the common car. So the

driver has no problem to control their wiper when the sky become dark.

3. Functionality

This rain tracker system was developing as well as to solve the problem when driving in

rainy day. By comparing the function in the tracker system with the manually function, the driver

needs to take off their hand from the handle and switch on the wiper. Therefore this rain tracker

system helps the driver just focusing on the road and no worry to control the wiper either.

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4. The size of vehicle windscreen

One of the factors of the failure of wiper is when the windscreen is too large. The driver

cannot see the road. Our rain tracker system is available with all size of windscreen and it is

better replace at the top of the windscreen. The common car are using the basic product and just

using the manually function.

Figure 12: Manually wiper system

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