How Useful Are Automatic Rain Sensing Wipers?

Modern transport is stuffed with different electronics. Some devices are designed to entertain the car owner; others are installed to increase comfort. However, there are also some devices that serve as additional measures to improve safety. And this is something that can be said about automatic rain-sensing wipers.

Photo of auto wipers from the website onlinecarparts.co.uk

Many drivers consider it a mandatory feature for any car, while others can easily do without it independently controlling the windshield wiper mechanism. Check the post and get an idea of how the device works and whether you need to get it.

What Are Automatic Rain Sensing Wipers?

The rain sensor is an optical-electronic device that is fixed on the windshield of a car and reacts to an increase in humidity. The sensor is able to control the wipers and mechanisms that are responsible for opening and closing the hatch and glass of the doors.

The device is designed to make life easier for drivers. It's no secret that snow, rain, and mud significantly complicate the process of driving a car. And the need to turn the wipers on and off and adjust the intensity of their work distracts from the road.

What Is the Sensor Made of?

The structure of the anti-rain device is based on a light sensor. The design includes the following components:

• Infrared emitter
• Photodetector
• Control block
• Frame
• Relay block

All parts are contained on the board in the sensor housing. The control unit contains information that is vital for the operation of the device.

Principle of Operation

The rain sensor is based on the principle of light refraction. The sensor constantly examines the surface of the windshield for moisture, analyzing the data in the memory. If the sensor does not notice changes in the glass moisture (compared to the initial parameters), then it continues to function as usual. However, if the device detects the refraction of light (which happens when the glass becomes wet), then the system closes the relay unit, as a result of which the car receives information about the beginning of rain. In this case, the windshield wipers operate automatically, and the windows and sunroof close.

Some devices can even detect how much rain is falling outside the window. Based on the information received, the devices correct the work of the wipers. The interval can be first 2 seconds, then 4, then 1. In addition, some rain-sensing devices have additional “chips” like a sensor that determines the degree of glass contamination.

Conclusion

Modern rain sensors are indispensable assistants for drivers on the road. They independently turn on the wipers on the windshield and close the windows in case of bad weather. All this allows the driver to concentrate on the road, which significantly reduces the likelihood of an accident.