WO2019053679A2

WO2019053679A2 - Automated screening arrangement for vehicle and method

Info

Publication number: WO2019053679A2
Application number: PCT/IB2018/057119
Authority: WO
Inventors: Albert Lam
Original assignee: Detroit Electric Ev Technologies (Zhejiang) Limited
Priority date: 2017-09-15
Filing date: 2018-09-17
Publication date: 2019-03-21
Also published as: WO2019053679A3

Abstract

An automated screening arrangement for a vehicle. The automated screening arrangement includes at least one screening panel operable to cover a windscreen and/or side and rear windows of the vehicle; a sensor arrangement that is operable to monitor one or more parameters related to the vehicle; and a control module that is operable to control a position of the at least one screening panel based on information associated with the one or more parameters related to the vehicle and/or input provided by a user of the vehicle, or A windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle. The windscreen wiper arrangement includes at least one elongate member that is pivotally mounted at a proximate end thereof to an actuator arrangement. The actuator arrangement is operable to move the at least one elongate member in a reciprocating angular motion, when in operation, over at least a part of a surface of a windscreen of the vehicle. The at least one elongate member is further provided with a radiation source arrangement included thereon, for example mounted thereupon. The radiation source arrangement is operable to emit electromagnetic radiation that is absorbed at the windscreen to expel moisture and/or ice from an external surface of the windscreen.

Description

AUTOMATED SCREENING ARRANGEMENT FOR VEHICLE AND METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to automated screening arrangements or windscreen for vehicles, for example, for electrical vehicles. Moreover, the present disclosure is concerned with the methods of providing screening or methods of operating a windscreen wiper arrangement for vehicles, for example, for electrical vehicles. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to software application recorded on machine-readable data storage media, wherein the software application is executable upon computing hardware for implementing aforementioned methods.

BACKGROUND In recent times, automobiles have become an integral part of everyday life. With advancements in automobile industry, automobiles, and broadly vehicles, have introduced convenience and comfort in day-to-day transportation needs. Such vehicles are capable of traversing several hundred miles of distances in short periods of time. Furthermore, when not in use, such vehicles can be parked at conveniently accessible locations, irrespective of weather conditions thereat.

Generally, vehicles spend a significant amount of time parked in different types of locations in diverse weather conditions, to be accessed when needed by a user of the vehicle. In an example, the vehicle may be parked outdoors in sun in hot weather conditions. In such an example, an air temperature inside a cabin of the vehicle may increase and lead to discomfort of a user (or, occupants) of the vehicle. In extreme conditions, the air temperature inside the cabin of the vehicle may increase to dangerously high levels, such as 70° Celsius. Furthermore, air conditioning systems of the vehicle, when in use, have to be operated for longer periods of time to lower the temperature inside the cabin of the vehicle. Additionally, interior surfaces of the vehicle may emit radiative heat (for example infrared thermal radiation) for prolonged periods of time leading to a further increase in time of operation of air-conditioning systems in order to cool the cabin. Such increases in time of operation of air- conditioning systems, may negatively influence fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

Conventionally, glass panes in windscreen and windows of the vehicles may be coated with a polymeric material to reflect rays of the sun incident thereon. However, such polymeric coatings may not be very efficient and may not be able to reflect the incident rays completely. Additionally, deposition of such coatings on the glass panes may violate traffic regulations in several legislatures. Additionally, the user of the vehicle may attach darkened mesh screens via suction cups to the glass panes in the windows of the vehicles. However, such suction cups may lose adherence to the glass panes and may be cumbersome to the user of the vehicle.

Generally, a vehicle's windscreen (or rear window) is provided with a wiper assembly to provide a clear vision through the windscreen or rear window. Specifically, the wiper assembly is responsible for clearing and removing precipitation, dirt and other forms of debris that may accumulate on an external surface of the windscreens. Typically, a wiper assembly includes a wiper blade operable to reciprocate back and forth across the windscreen to clean the external surface thereof. However, in cold weather conditions, such wipers blades and their windscreens are subjected to ice and snow build up. For example, a mild frost may build up on the windscreen when the vehicle experiences a sub-zero temperature. Such build- ups can restrict vision and increase safety risks. Moreover, in such sub-zero conditions, performance of a conventional wiper blade having a rubber strip may not be efficient. For example, the rubber strip of the wiper blade may not be efficient in removing frost from the windscreen. Additionally, under these circumstances, the back and forth movement of the wiper blade across the windscreen may cause the ice formed on the leading edge of the wiper blade to typically produces streaks and smears of slush or water across the external surface of the windscreen, which may cause visual obstructions for the driver. Conventionally, to overcome the aforementioned problems, the wiper assembly is provided with a heating element. Generally, such heating element includes a resistance wire that runs along a length of a wiper blade to heat the wiper blade when the heating element is electrically connected to a battery arrangement of a vehicle. Typically, a path through which the resistance wire travels and how the resistance wire is electrically connected to the battery arrangement are quite complex. Therefore, maintenance of such wiper blade assembly and associated components thereof may become complex and cumbersome. Furthermore, complex connections of the resistance wire may limit the reciprocal motion of the wiper blade. Moreover, the resistance wire is typically made of metal and due to excessive water exposure may suffer from corrosion, which may cause failure of the wiper assembly. Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exist problems associated with conventional methods of regulating thermal environment inside the vehicles.

SUMMARY The present disclosure seeks to provide an automated screening arrangement for a vehicle, for example for an internal combustion engine vehicle and an electrical vehicle.

Moreover, the present invention seeks to provide a method of providing screening for a vehicle, for example for an internal combustion engine vehicle and an electrical vehicle.

According to a first aspect, there is provided an automated screening arrangement for a vehicle, characterized in that the automated screening arrangement includes:

- at least one screening panel that is operable to cover a windscreen and/or side and rear windows of the vehicle;

- a sensor arrangement that is operable to monitor one or more parameters related to the vehicle; and

- a control module operable to control a position of the at least one screening panel based on information associated with the one or more parameters related to the vehicle and/or input provided by a user of the vehicle.

The present disclosure is of advantage in that there is provided an efficient automated screening arrangement for a vehicle, for example for an electrical vehicle; moreover, the automated screening arrangement may provide screening from an external environment outside the vehicle and also improve a thermal environment within the vehicle. According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of providing screening for a vehicle, characterized in that the method includes:

- covering a windscreen and/or side and rear windows of the vehicle using at least one screening panel;

- monitoring one or more parameters related to the vehicle using a sensor arrangement; and

- controlling a position of at least one screening panel based upon information associated with the one or more parameters related to the vehicle and/or input provided by a user of the vehicle using a control module.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a software product recording on machine-readable data storage media, characterized in that the software product is executable upon computing hardware for implementing a method according to the second aspect of providing screening for a vehicle.

The present disclosure additionally seeks to provide an improved windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle.

The present disclosure also seeks to provide an improved method of operating a windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle. According to a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle, wherein the windscreen wiper arrangement includes at least one elongate member that is pivotally mounted at a proximate end thereof to an actuator arrangement that is operable to move the at least one elongate member in a reciprocating angular motion, when in operation, over at least a part of a surface of a windscreen of the vehicle, characterized in that the elongate member is further provided with a radiation source arrangement included thereon, wherein the radiation source arrangement is operable to emit electromagnetic radiation that is absorbed at the windscreen to expel moisture and/or ice from an external surface of the windscreen.

The improved windscreen wiper arrangement includes the radiation source arrangement that is operable to expel efficiently moisture and/or ice from the external surface of the windscreen; moreover, the windscreen wiper arrangement allows for a simplified connection thereof with respect to the windscreen of the vehicle.

According to a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of operating a windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle, wherein the windscreen wiper arrangement includes at least one elongate member that is pivotally mounted at a proximate end thereof to an actuator arrangement that is operable to move the at least one elongate member in a reciprocating angular motion, when in operation, over at least a part of a surface of a windscreen of the vehicle, characterized in that the method includes:

(i) providing the elongate member with a radiation source arrangement included thereon; and

(ii) operating the radiation source arrangement to emit electromagnetic radiation that is absorbable at the windscreen to expel moisture and/or ice from an external surface of the windscreen.

The present invention is included in the general business context, which aims to substitute vehicles powered by traditional fuels, for example gasoline or diesel, by electric vehicles. In particular, the present invention is intended for use in electric vehicles used within cities, which can be highly beneficial to the local environment due to significant reduction of gaseous emissions as well as significant reduction of noise. Overall environmental benefits can also be significant when electric vehicles are charged from renewable energy sources.

It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein :

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an automated screening arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 3 is an illustration of steps of a method of providing screening for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGs. 4 to 6 are schematic illustrations of a windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 illustrates steps of a method of operating a windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non- underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing .

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS In overview, embodiments of the present disclosure are concerned with automated screening arrangements that are operable to improve a thermal environment inside a vehicle.

Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a block diagram of an automated screening arrangement 1100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The automated screening arrangement 1100 includes at least one screening panel 1102, a sensor arrangement 1104, and a control module 1106. The at least one screening panel 1102 is operable to cover, at least partially, a windscreen and/or side and rear windows of the vehicle. The sensor arrangement 1104 is operable to determine one or more parameters related to the vehicle. The control module 1106 is operable to control a position of at least one screening panel based on information associated with the one or more parameters related to the vehicle and/or input provided by a user of the vehicle. It will be appreciated, in operation, that the automated screening arrangement 1100 is operable to adjust the position of the at least one screening panel in a dynamic manner, namely with real-time adjustment, in response to changes in the one or more parameters sensed by the sensor arrangement 1104. Optionally, the control module 1106 is operable to control the position of the at least one screening panel according to a learning algorithm, for example an artificial intelligent (AI) algorithm, that learns recursively from feedback provided by the user of the vehicle, for example providing positive feedback to the control module 1106 when the control module 1106 has adjusted the at least one screening panel in a pleasing manner to the user's requirements, and for providing negative feedback to the control module 1106 when the control module 1106 has adjusted the at least one screening panel in an displeasing manner (i.e. ineffective manner) to the user's requirements. The control module 1106 iteratively, namely recursively, adjusts its various rules in response to receiving such feed back. In an embod iment, the automated screening arrangement 1100 may be used to improve a thermal environment inside the vehicle when the vehicle is parked outside in the sun; it will be appreciated that midday sun can have associated therewith a power density of 1 kW/m². Specifically, the automated screening arrangement 1100 may shield rays of the sun from entering the vehicle throug h windscreen and/or side and rear windows of the vehicle. More specifically, the shielding may prevent heat build-up within the vehicle. The automated screening arrangement 1100 includes the sensor arrangement 1104 that is operable to monitor one or more parameters related to the vehicle, for example a temperature within the vehicle, ambient incident solar radiation, wind flow over the vehicle, weather pred ictions are communicated to the vehicle from a weather database, depending upon a GPS and/or GPRS position reference of the vehicle. Furthermore, the sensor arrangement 1104 is operable to provide the information associated with one or more parameters related to the vehicle to the control module 1106. In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement 1104 may be hardware, software, firmware and/or any combination thereof. Specifically, the sensor arrangement may monitor one or more parameters related to the vehicle to enable smart operation of the automated screening arrangement 1100. Additionally, the one or more parameters related to the vehicle may include, for example, a temperature in the cabin of the vehicle, motion occurring within the cabin of the vehicle, motion of the vehicle and so forth. In an example, the sensor arrangement 1104 may monitor the temperature inside the cabin of the vehicle. In such example, in an event the temperature inside the cabin of the vehicle exceeds a threshold value (such as, 45° C), the sensor arrangement 1104 may provide the information associated with the temperature inside the cabin of the vehicle to the control module 1106. Subsequently, in such an example, the control module 1106 may control the position of the at least one screening panel 1102 to at least partially cover (for example, fully cover) a windscreen and/or one or more side and rear windows of the vehicle to maintain the temperature inside the cabin of the vehicle below the threshold value. The automated screening arrangement 1100 includes the control module 1106 that is operable to control a position of the at least one screening panel 1102 based upon information associated with the one or more parameters related to the vehicle and/or input provided by a user of the vehicle; in other words, the control module 1106 is operable to cause the at least one screening panel 1102 to be moved between various mutually different positions based upon the information. In an embodiment, the control module 1106 may be hardware, software, firmware and/or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the control module 1106 may receive information associated with one or more parameters related to the vehicle from the sensor arrangement 1104. Moreover, the control module may receive input from the user of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the user of the vehicle may be a driver of the vehicle. Additionally, or alternatively, optionally, the user of the vehicle may be a co- passenger in the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the control module 1106 may include a software application management and infotainment system (SAMI) for performing data analysis, strategic control and reporting to the user of the vehicle. Furthermore, the control module 1106 may include a graphical user interface (GUI) that is operable to display information associated with the one or more parameters related to the vehicle. Additionally, the user may provide input to the control module using the graphical user interface (GUI) thereof. Specifically, the graphical user interface (GUI) may display, in operation, information such as the position of the at least one screening panel 1102. Furthermore, the user of the vehicle may provide input related to positioning of the at least one screening panel 1102. In an embodiment, the user may choose positioning of the at least one screening panel 1102 manually through the graphical user interface (GUI). In an example, the user may input "cover the windscreen" via the graphical user interface of the control module 1106. Subsequently in such example, the control module may control the position of the at least one screening panel 1102 to cover the windscreen of the vehicle.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown an illustration of a perspective view of a vehicle 1200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the vehicle 1200 comprises a windscreen 1202 and side windows 1204. Furthermore, the windscreen 1202 and side windows 1204 are operable to be covered (at least in part, for example partially covered, for example fully covered) by at least one screening panel, such as the screening panels 1206 and 1208, respectively. Additionally, the position of the at least one screening panel, such as the screening panels 1206 and 1208, is controlled by the control module (such as the control module 1106 of FIG. 1), for example as aforementioned with reference to FIG. 1.

In an embodiment, the at least one screening panel, such as the screening panels 1206 and 1208, includes a plurality of solar cells, for example outwardly-facing solar panels facing away from a central region of the vehicle 1200, wherein the plurality of solar cells are operable to convert solar energy to electrical energy and supply to a battery of the vehicle 1200. Furthermore, the electrical energy generated by the plurality of solar cells may be used to charge battery of the vehicle 1200. In an embodiment, the vehicle 1200 may be an electrical vehicle. In such an embodiment, the electrical energy supplied by the plurality of solar cells may be used as a primary source of motive power for the electrical vehicle. In another embodiment, the vehicle 1200 may be an internal combustion engine vehicle. In such an embodiment, the electrical energy provided by the plurality of solar cells may be used to provide power to secondary components, such as headlamps, an infotainment system and so forth, of the vehicle 1200. Furthermore, the plurality of solar cells may be thin-film solar cells, that can be folded or rolled for convenient disposition on the at least one screening panel. Specifically, the plurality of solar cells may not disrupt primary functioning of the at least one screening panel, that is to provide screening from the external environment and improve thermal environment inside the vehicle.

In an example embodiment, the thin-film solar cells may comprise technologies such as cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS), and amorphous thin-film silicon (a-Si, TF- Si). Furthermore, such thin-film solar cells are provided with a flexible substrate, such as rubber, silicone and so forth, that can be folded or rolled. For example, the thin-film solar cells can be based on perovskite thin films, for example as described at a web-site: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perovskite solar cell .

A perovskite solar cell is a type of solar cell which includes a perovskite structured compound, most commonly a hybrid organic- inorganic lead or tin halide-based material, as the light-harvesting active layer. Perovskite materials such as methylammonium lead halides are cheap to produce and simple to manufacture. Solar cell efficiencies of devices using these perovskite materials have increased from 3.8% in year 2009 to 22.1% in early year 2016. With the potential of achieving even higher efficiencies and the very low production costs, perovskite solar cells have become commercially attractive. In an event that the vehicle 1200 includes a sub-roof, the sunroof can also be provided with a moveable cover, included as a part of the aforementioned at least one screening panel 1102. In an embodiment, the sensor arrangement 1104 (as shown in FIG. 1) comprises at least one of: a temperature sensor, a motion detection sensor. Specifically, the sensor arrangement 1104 is operable to monitor one or more parameters related to the vehicle 1200. Furthermore, the position of the at least one screening panel, such as the screening panels 1206 and 1208, may be based on the information associated with one or more parameters related to the vehicle 1200. Additionally, the one or more parameters related to the vehicle may include temperature in the cabin of the vehicle 1200, a motion inside the cabin of the vehicle 1200, a motion of the vehicle 1200 and so forth. For example, in an event of the user of the vehicle 1200 parking the vehicle 1200 with a pet (for example, a dog therein), it is important that the cabin is maintained at a suitably low temperature so that the pet is not biological thermally stressed or endangered, for example under conditions of strong noon sunlight (whose radiation power density can approach 1 kW/m²).

In an embodiment, the control module 1106 (as shown in FIG. 1) is operable to control a position of the at least one screening panel, such as the screening panels 1206 and 1208, to cover the windscreen 1202 and/or one or more of the side windows 1204 and a rear window of the vehicle 1200 in an event the temperature determined by the temperature sensor exceeds a threshold temperature value. Specifically, the threshold temperature may be a pre-set value of temperature. Optionally, the pre-set value may be set in advance by the user of the vehicle 1200. Optionally, the preset value is determined in a temporally varying manner, for example depending upon changing weather conditions to which the vehicle 1200 is exposed, for example as determined by consulting a remote weather database via wireless data communication from the vehicle 1200. Furthermore, the control module 1106 may control the position of the at least one screening panel, such as the screening panels 1206 and 1208, to cover the windscreen 1202 and/or one or more of the side windows 1204 and the rear window of the vehicle 1200 to maintain the temperature inside the cabin of the vehicle below the threshold value.

In an embodiment, the control module 1106 is operable to control the position of the at least one screening panel, such as the screening panels 1206 and 1208, to cover (at least partially, for example fully) the windscreen 1202 and/or one or more of the side windows 1204 and/or the rear window of the vehicle 1200, in an event the motion detection sensor does not detect a motion inside the vehicle. Furthermore, the motion detection sensor may ensure a safety of the vehicle and of the user of the vehicle. Specifically, the control module 1106 may not cover at least the windscreen 1202 of the vehicle, when motion inside the vehicle, and/or of the vehicle, is detected. In an implementation, the control module 1106 may not cover the windscreen 1202, when motion of the vehicle is detected, irrespective of the temperature inside the cabin of the vehicle 1200. Optionally, motion within the vehicle 1200 causes forced fan ventilation of the cabin, for example to assist to keep a pet therein at a biologically safe temperature at which the pet is not biologically suffering . In such an implementation, the control module 1106 may (at least partially) cover side windows 1204 and rear window of the vehicle 1200, based upon the input provided by the user of the vehicle 1200. In another implementation, the control module 1106 may (at least partially) cover the windscreen 1202 and/or the side windows 1204 and/or the rear window of the vehicle 1200, when a motion is detected inside the vehicle, based upon the input provided by the user of the vehicle 1200.

In an example embodiment, a material employed for manufacture of the at least one screening panel, such as the screening panels 1206 and 1208, includes at least one of: a non-metallic material, a metal, a plastics material, a metallized plastics material and/or a combination thereof. Specifically, the material employed for manufacture may be thermally insulating. Optionally, the at least one screening panel, such as the screening panels 1206 and 1208, is reflective, for example reflective at infrared radiation wavelengths (for example, for radiation wavelengths longer than 1 pm, more optionally or radiation wavelengths longer than 10 pm). Such reflectivity may be achieved by fabricating conductive micro-gratings on the the at least one screening panel and/or by employing etallon radiation resonance cavities though a thickness of the the at least one screening panel. Specifically, the at least one screening panel is operable to reflect the rays of the sun incident thereon. More specifically, the at least one screening panel may be reflective to prevent heat build-up inside the vehicle 1200. In an example implementation, the material employed for manufacture of the at least one screening panel may mainly include polypropylene and/or polyester. In such implementation, such polypropylene and/or polyester may be coated with a layer of reflective material, for example a metallized reflective layer. In an embodiment, the at least one screening panel is operable to fold in thin pleats, that may be fitted into a compartment below the windscreen and/or side and rear windows of the vehicle 1200. In another example embodiment, the at least one screening panel is operable to fold into a roll, that may be fit into a compartment below the windscreen and/or side and rear windows of the vehicle 1200.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown an illustration of steps of a method 1300 of providing screening for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At a step 1302, a windscreen and/or side and rear windows of the vehicle are covered (at least in part) using at least one screening panel. At a step 1304, one or more parameters related to the vehicle are monitored using a sensor arrangement. At a step 1306, a position of at least one screening panel is adjusted based upon information associated with the one or more parameters related to the vehicle and/or input provided by a user of the vehicle using a control module.

The steps 1302 to 1306 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. Optionally, the method 1300 includes arranging for the at least one screening panel to include a plurality of solar cells, wherein the plurality of solar cells is operable to convert solar energy to electrical energy and supply to a battery of the vehicle. More optionally, the method 1300 includes arranging for the sensor arrangement to include at least one of: a temperature sensor, a motion detection sensor, an air flow sensor.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a software product recorded on machine-readable data storage media, characterized in that the software product is executable upon computing hardware for implementing the aforementioned described method 1300 of providing screening for a vehicle. Such a software product is relevant to operation of an automated screening arrangement for a vehicle as described in the foregoing .

The automated screening arrangement for a vehicle, for example for an electrical vehicle but not limited thereto, of the present disclosure provides many benefits and improves thermal environment inside the vehicle. Consequently, comfort of occupants of the vehicle may be significantly increased . The present disclosure provides a simple, efficient, intelligent and adaptive screening arrangement. Furthermore, the automated screening arrangement may improve thermal environment inside the vehicle. Beneficially, efficiency of air- conditioning system of the vehicle may be positively improved . Additionally, the automated screening system may shield interior surface of the vehicle, thereby increasing life expectancy thereof.

Referring to FIG. 4, illustrated is a windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 for a vehicle (not shown), to operate over at least a part of a surface of a windscreen 2106 of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 includes at least one elongate member, such as an elongate member 2102 that is pivotally mounted at a proximate end thereof to an actuator arrangement 2104. The actuator arrangement 2104 is operable to move the elongate member 2102 in a reciprocating angular motion, when in operation, over at least a part of a surface of a windscreen 2106 of the vehicle; however, alternatively, it will be appreciated that the elongate member 2102 is optionally moved in a combination of a pivotal motion and a linear displacement motion. The vehicle of the present disclosure may be an electrical vehicle, an internal combustion engine vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 of the present disclosure may be implemented in other transportation means, such as ships, an airplane, and so forth.

In an embodiment, the elongated member 2102 is made of corrosion-resistant material such as galvanized metal, stainless steel, anodized aluminium and the like. Alternatively, the elongated member 2102 may be made of material such as plastic, fiberglass, metal and so forth. Furthermore, the elongate member 2102 may be configured to have suitable dimensions, such as a length to suitably cover (or reach) the part of a surface of the windscreen 2106. The elongated member 2102 is operable to clear and remove precipitation, ice, dirt and other forms of debris, which may accumulate on an external surface of the windscreen 2106.

According to an embodiment, the elongate member 2102 includes a wiper blade portion 2108 and a supporting portion 2110. The wiper blade portion 2108 is pivotally connected with the supporting portion 2110. The wiper blade portion 2108 includes a flexible blade 2112 having a flat wiping edge that engages with the external surface of the windscreen 2106. The flexible blade 2112 is supported by a rigid backing portion or backing member 2114. The backing member 2114 is formed of a sheet of material optionally having corrosion- resistant properties and good material strength. In an embod iment, the flexible blade 2112 is detachably mounted on the backing member 2114. Additionally, the supporting portion 2110 of the elongated member is pivotally mounted to the actuator arrangement 2104. Furthermore, the elongate member 2102 may be operable to have reciprocating angular motion with the help of the actuator arrangement 2104. For example, the actuator arrangement 2104 may include a motor, powered by a battery arrangement of a vehicle, operable to provide the reciprocating angular motion to the elongate member 2102.

The elongate member 2102 is further provided with a radiation source arrangement 2116 included thereon, for example mounted thereupon. The radiation source arrangement 2116 is operable to emit electromagnetic radiation that is absorbed at the windscreen 2106 to expel moisture and/or ice from the external surface of the windscreen 2106. The electromagnetic radiation is transmitted in waves or particles at different wavelengths and frequencies. The wavelength and the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation may be predetermined or can be deduced based on the requirement; for example, electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of greater than 1 pm is employed, more optionally greater than 5 pm, and more optionally greater than 10 pm. The electromagnetic radiation emitted from the radiation source arrangement 2116 provides heat energy on the windscreen 2106. Furthermore, the generated heat energy causes temperature at the external surface of the windscreen 2106 to rise, which leads to melting/ removal of the ice or mist. Moreover, the moisture and/or the ice may be swept from the external surface of the windscreen 2106 by the flexible blade 2112.

In an embodiment, the radiation source arrangement 2116 includes one or more infra-red LEDs, one or more infra-red lasers, or one or more resistive-heating infra-red-radiation-emitting elements. Optionally, the radiation source arrangement 2116 may include a combination of the one or more infra-red LEDs, the one or more infrared lasers, and/or the one or more resistive-heating infra-red- radiation-emitting elements. In an example, the radiation source arrangement 2116 may include one or more infrared heater (having a carbon filament arrangement, a tungsten filament arrangement and the like) along with the one or more infra-red lasers. In another example, the radiation source arrangement 2116 may include the one or more infra-red LEDs and the one or more infra-red laser.

Optionally, the rad iation source arrangement 2116 is detachably mounted upon the elongate member 2102. According to an embodiment, the rad iation source arrangement 2116 may be mounted on the wiper blade portion 2108 and/or the supporting portion 2110 of the elongate member 2102, which is explained herein later in conjunction with subsequent figures. As shown in FIG. 4, the radiation source arrangement 2116 is detachably mounted on the backing member 2114 of the wiper blade portion 2108. For example, the backing member 2114 may be machined to have a socket, configured to removably receive the rad iation source arrangement 2116 therein and thereby providing detachable coupling to the elongate member 2102. In another embod iment, the radiation source arrangement 2116 may be integrally fabricated with the elongate member 2102.

Furthermore, optionally, the radiation source arrangement 2116 includes a plurality of infra-red radiation sources d isposed as a linear array along the elongate member 2102. Specifically, the term "disposed as a linear array" relates to an arrangement of the plurality of infra-red radiation sources in such a manner that the plurality of infra-red radiation sources are disposed linearly along a length of the elongated member 2102. Furthermore, the spacing between the plurality of infra-red radiation may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. More specifically, the plurality of the infra-red radiation sources is arranged on the elongated member 2102 to heat up a maximum portion of the windscreen 2106. As shown in FIG. 4, the radiation source arrangement 2116 is mounted on the wiper blade portion 2108 of the at least one elongated member 2102. Moreover, the radiation source arrangement 2116 is arranged linearly sideways of the flexible blade 2112 such that the electromagnetic radiation is largely incident on the windscreen 2106. Optionally, the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 includes a resonant inductive coupling arrangement 2118 at the proximate end of the elongate member 2102 for coupling power to excite the radiation source arrangement 2116; in such an embodiment, a vehicle-mounted exciter module is operable to excite a resonant transmitter coil that is vehicle-mounted, and a windscreen wiper- mounted resonant receiving coil is operable to couple to the resonant receiving coil, wherein an output from the windscreen wiper-mounted resonant receiving coil is rectified to generate a d.c. supply to provide to the aforementioned radiation source arrangement 2116; such rectification is optional when the radiation source arrangement 2116 is capable of operating using an a.c. excitation signal.

Specifically, the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 includes a magnetic coupling coil in the radiation source arrangement 2116. More specifically, the magnetic coupling coil is operable to receive electrical power, and use the electrical power to excite the radiation source arrangement 2116. The magnetic coupling coil is provided with a magnetic core or a stray magnetic field screening arrangement (not shown), or both. Examples of material of the magnetic core include, but are not limited to, ferromagnetic metals such as iron, sandwich structures of thin ferrous metal sheets, bundles of ferrous wires, ferromagnetic compounds such as ferrites or ceramic ferrites, but not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the resonant inductive coupling arrangement 2118 includes an external coil. The external coil is operatively coupled to the magnetic coupling coil. More optionally, as shown in FIG. 4, the resonant inductive coupling arrangement 2118 is arranged to be positioned vertically or horizontally proximate to the magnetic coupling coil of the radiation source arrangement 2116. Therefore, the magnetic coupling coil provides continuous power to the resonant inductive coupling arrangement 2118, when in operation. Consequently, the resonant inductive coupling arrangement 2118 is operable to provide wireless charging to the radiation source arrangement 2116. It will be appreciated that the external coil of the resonant inductive coupling arrangement 2118 receives power from a battery source of the vehicle.

In another embodiment, the radiation source arrangement 2116 may include an in-built battery for storing the power generated by the resonant inductive coupling arrangement 2118. In such embodiments, the stored power may be used at a later time and thus the radiation source arrangement 2116 may be operated when the vehicle is not in operation. Optionally, the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 includes an image sensor 2120 that is mounted in operation behind the windscreen 2106, and a data processing arrangement 2122 that is operable to receive a sensor signal conveying at least one image from the image sensor 2120 and to process the at least one image to determine whether or not to energize the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 to apply infra-red radiation to the external surface of the windscreen 2106. In an example, the image sensor 2120, may be one of a CMOS active pixel sensor, digital camera and the like, mounted inside the vehicle. Specifically, the image sensor 2120 is mounted behind the windscreen 2106 such that at least a portion of the windscreen 2106 is clearly captured to identify clarity associated with the at least portion of the windscreen 2106. Furthermore, the image sensor 2120 is further operable to transmit the sensor signal, conveying the at least one image, to the data processing arrangement 2122. In an embodiment, the image sensor 2120 is wirelessly coupled with the data processing arrangement 2122. In another embodiment, the image sensor 2120 may be coupled with the data processing arrangement 2122 via a wired connection.

According to an embod iment, the data processing arrangement 2122 is operable to receive the sensor signal from the image sensor 2120. The data processing arrangement 2122 is further operable to process the image received from the sensor. Based on the processed image, the processing arrangement determines whether or not to energize the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 for applying infra-red radiation to the external surface of the windscreen 2106. The data processing arrangement 2122 may be hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof operable to perform the above mentioned task.

In an embodiment, the data processing arrangement 2122 may further include a memory unit (not shown) . Specifically, the memory unit of the data processing arrangement 2122 may be configured to store an image having an optimal view. The term "optimal view" of the image relates to an image of the windscreen without any dirt or distortion, and which provides clear view through the windscreen.

According to an embod iment, the data processing arrangement 2122 is operable to determine the clarity of vision through the windscreen 2106. For example, the data processing arrangement 2122 compares a real time image, of the windscreen 2106 taken by the image sensor 2120, with the image having the optimal view. If there is some deformity (or clarity issue) in the compared images, the data processing arrangement 2122 transmits signal to the resonant inductive coupling arrangement 2118 to energize the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100. In one embodiment, the data processing arrangement 2122 may be configured to have a predetermined clarity threshold value associated with clarity of the windscreen 2106, such that when the predetermined threshold value is less than such threshold, a signal for energizing the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 is transmitted . For example, if the predetermined threshold value is set at 90% clarity of the windscreen 2106 and the data processing arrangement 2122 determines clarity of the windscreen 2106 is about 80% based on analysis of the compared images then the data processing arrangement 2122 transmits a signal of energizing the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100. Similarly, if the data processing arrangement 2122 determines clarity of the windscreen 2106 about 95% then no signal will be transmitted for energ izing the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100.

In one embodiment, the data processing arrangement 2122 may be operable to set wavelength and frequency of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the rad iation source arrangement 2116. For example, if the data processing arrangement 2122 analyzes the image and identifies that there is smear of slush and/or ice on the external surface of the windscreen 2106 of the vehicle. The data processing arrangement 2122 accordingly may set the wavelength and the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation based on nature of deposit (i.e. water and/or ice) on the windscreen 2106 to achieve the required heating for the removal thereof.

More optionally, the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 includes a control arrangement 2124 for a user to activate and deactivate the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 and its associated radiation source arrangement 2116. Specifically, the control arrangement 2124 may be hardware, software, firmware, or a combination of these operable to perform the above mentioned task. In an embodiment, the control arrangement 2124 may be operated using a switch, mounted inside the vehicle and within the reach of a user. Therefore, when the user presses or releases the switch, the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 and its associated radiation source arrangement 2116 are activated and deactivate, respectively. It will be appreciated that the use of switch to operate the control arrangement 2124 may be exemplary, and the control arrangement 2124 may be operated using a knob, a lever, a spindle and the like

In an embodiment, the control arrangement 2124 may also include a communication module (not shown). The communication module of the control arrangement 2124 may be communicably coupled to the data processing arrangement 2122. Therefore, the data processing arrangement 2122 may transmit a signal to the control arrangement 2124 using the communication module to activate or deactivate the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 and its associated radiation source arrangement 2116. In another embod iment, the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 is configured to host a software application management and infotainment arrangement (SAMI). The term 'software application management and infotainment arrangement' used herein relates to a device-functionality software and/or an operating system software configured to execute other application programs and interface between the application programs and associated hardware. In an example, the software application management and infotainment arrangement may be operating within a carputer of a car (such as an electrical vehicle) and wirelessly coupled with the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100. In an example, the software application management and infotainment arrangement may be operable to provide an infotainment arrangement and/or system for the user of the vehicle, such as making phone calls, and accessing web-based content such as traffic conditions and weather forecasts and so forth.

In such examples, SAMI automatically controls the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 depending upon time-of-day, season-of-year or weather reports from weather forecast databases. For example, if the weather reports states that heavy snowfall is expected, SAMI may automatically activate the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 while driving through the snowfall. In yet another embodiment, the user may communicate through SAMI to cause windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 to demist the external surface of windscreen 2106 prior to the user making a journey. For example, is the user have to drive the vehicle after a night of heavy snowfall, the user may communicate via SAMI to activate the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 before starting the journey.

Optionally, the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 includes an external layer applied to the windscreen. For example, the external layer applied may be one of a polymeric, mineral or glass infra-red radiation absorbing external layer applied to the windscreen. The radiation absorbing external layer is operable to absorb the infrared rays being transmitted from the radiation source arrangement 2116. More optionally, the radiation absorbing external layer includes radiation absorbing particles that are sized to a wavelength of the infra-red radiation emitted from the radiation source arrangement 2116. For example, the radiation absorbing external layer may be operable to absorb the infra-red radiation emitted from the radiation source arrangement 2116 with a set of wavelength (namely, for example, in a range of 700 nm to 1 mm).

Referring to FIG. 5, illustrated is an exemplary windscreen wiper arrangement 2200 for a vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the windscreen wiper arrangement 2200 is similar to the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 described herein above in conjunction with FIG. 4. However, as shown, a radiation source arrangement 2216 is mounted on a supporting portion 2210 of an elongated member 2202. The radiation source arrangement 2216 is arranged on the supporting portion 2210 in such a manner that the electromagnetic radiation is incident on the windscreen 2206. For example, the radiation source arrangement 2216 may be mounted on the underside of the supporting member 2210. In another example, the radiation source arrangement 2216 may be mounted sideways on the supporting member 2210.

Referring to FIG. 6, illustrated is a windscreen wiper arrangement 2300 for a vehicle, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the windscreen wiper arrangement 2300 is similar to the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100 described herein above in conjunction with FIG. 4. However, as shown, a radiation source arrangement 2316 is mounted on both, a wiper blade portion 2308 and a supporting portion 2310 of an elongated member 2302. The radiation source arrangement 2316 is arranged on the wiper blade portion 2308 and the supporting portion 2310 in such a manner that the electromagnetic radiation is incident on the windscreen 2306. For example, the radiation source arrangement 2316 may be mounted sideways on the wiper blade portion 2308 and underside of the supporting member 2310. It will be appreciated that the radiation source arrangement 2316 is arranged in such a manner that the movement of the elongated member 2302 is not restricted.

Referring to FIG. 7, illustrated are steps of a method 2400 of operating a windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the windscreen wiper arrangement of the method 2400 may be the windscreen wiper arrangement 2100, disclosed herein above in conjunction with FIGS. 4 to 6. At a step 2402, at least one elongate member with a radiation source arrangement mounted thereupon is provided . Thereafter, at a step 2404, the radiation source arrangement to emit electromagnetic radiation that is absorbable at the windscreen to expel moisture and/or ice from an external source of the windscreen is operated . The steps 2402 to 2404 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. For example, method includes arranging for the radiation source arrangement to include one or more infra-red LEDs, one or more infra-red lasers, or one or more resistive-heating infra-red-radiation- emitting elements, wherein the radiation source arrangement is detachably mounted upon the elongate member. Optionally, the method includes arranging for the windscreen wiper arrangement to include resonant inductive coupling arrangement at the proximate end of the at least one elongate member for coupling power to excite the radiation source arrangement. More optionally, the method includes arranging for the windscreen wiper arrangement to include a polymeric, mineral or glass infra-red radiation absorbing external layer applied to the windscreen.

Optionally, the method includes arranging for the radiation source arrangement to include a plurality of infra-red radiation sources disposed as a linear array along the at least one elongate member. More optionally, the method includes arranging for the at least one elongate member to include a wiper blade portion and a supporting portion, wherein the radiation source arrangement is mounted on the wiper blade portion and/or the supporting portion. Yet more optionally, the method includes arranging for the windscreen wiper arrangement to include an image sensor that is mounted in operation behind the windscreen, and a data processing arrangement that is operable to receive a sensor signal conveying at least one image from the image sensor and to process the at least one image to determine whether or not to energize the windscreen wiper arrangement to apply infra-red radiation to the external surface of the windscreen. In another example, the method includes arranging for the windscreen wiper arrangement to include a control arrangement for a user to activate and deactivate the windscreen wiper arrangement and its associated radiation source arrangement.

The windscreen wiper arrangement of the present disclosure provides an optimal way of removing dirt and other forms of deposits (such as the ice or mist) that accumulates on an external surface of the windscreen. Furthermore, the windscreen wiper arrangement can be charged wirelessly; therefore, the components associated with the connection are not subjected to corrosion and thereby providing improved longevity to the windscreen wiper arrangement. Moreover, since no wires are utilized for charging, the connection is simplified and does not restrict the reciprocating movement thereof. Additionally, the radiation source arrangement is detachably mounted on the elongated member, providing ease of replacing the radiation source arrangement in case of maintenance.

Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims.

Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating",

"have", "is" used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Claims

1. An automated screening arrangement (1100) for a vehicle (1200), characterized in that the automated screening arrangement (1100) includes:

- at least one screening panel (1102, 1206, 1208) operable to cover, at least in part, a windscreen (1202) and/or side (1204) and rear windows of the vehicle (1200);

- a sensor arrangement (1104) that is operable to monitor one or more parameters related to the vehicle (1200); and

- a control module (1106) that is operable to control a position of the at least one screening panel (1102, 1206, 1208) based upon information associated with the one or more parameters related to the vehicle (1200) and/or input provided by a user of the vehicle (1200). 2. An automated screening arrangement of claim 1, characterized in that the at least one screening panel (1102, 1206, 1208) includes a plurality of solar cells, wherein the plurality of solar cells are operable to convert solar energy to electrical energy and supply to a battery of the vehicle (1200). 3. An automated screening arrangement of claim 1, characterized in that the sensor arrangement (1104) comprises at least one of: a temperature sensor, a motion detection sensor, an air flow sensor, a precipitation sensor.

4. An automated screening arrangement of claim 3, characterized in that the control module (1106) is operable to control the position of the at least one screening panel (1102, 1206, 1208) to cover, at least in part, the windscreen (1202) and/or the side (1204) and rear windows of the vehicle (1200) in an event the temperature determined by the temperature sensor exceeds a threshold temperature value.

5. An automated screening arrangement of claim 3, characterized in that the control module (1106) is operable to control the position of the at least one screening panel (1102, 1206, 1208) to cover, at least in part, the windscreen (1202) and/or the side (1204) and rear windows of the vehicle (1200) in an event the motion detection sensor does not detect a motion inside the vehicle (1200).

6. An automated screening arrangement of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a material employed for manufacture of the at least one screening panel (1102, 1206, 1208) includes at least one of: a non-metal, a metal, a plastics material, a metallized plastics material and/or a combination thereof.

7. An automated screening arrangement of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one screening panel (1102,

1206, 1208) is reflective to electromagnetic radiation that is incident thereupon.

8. A method of providing screening for a vehicle (1200), characterized in that the method includes:

- covering, at least in part, a windscreen (1202) and/or side

(1204) and rear windows of the vehicle (1200) using at least one screening panel (1102, 1206, 1208);

- monitoring one or more parameters related to the vehicle (1200) using a sensor arrangement (1104); and

- controlling a position of at least one screening panel (1102,

1206, 1208) based upon information associated with the one or more parameters related to the vehicle (1200) and/or input provided by a user of the vehicle (1200) using a control module (1106).

9. A method of claim 7, characterized in that the method includes arranging for the at least one screening panel (1102, 1206, 1208) to include a plurality of solar cells, wherein the plurality of solar cells is operable to convert solar energy to electrical energy and supply to a battery of the vehicle (1200).

10. A method of claim 7, characterized in that the method includes arranging for the sensor arrangement (1104) to include at least one of: a temperature sensor, a motion detection sensor, an air flow measurement sensor, a precipitation sensor.

11. A software product recording on machine-readable data storage media, characterized in that the software product is executable upon computing hardware for implementing a method as claimed in claim 8.

12. A windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle, wherein the windscreen wiper arrangement (2100) includes at least one elongate member (2102) that is pivotally mounted at a proximate end thereof to an actuator arrangement (2104) that is operable to move the at least one elongate member (2102) in a reciprocating angular motion, when in operation, over at least a part of a surface of a windscreen (2106) of the vehicle, characterized in that the at least one elongate member (2102) is further provided with a radiation source arrangement (2116) included thereon, wherein the radiation source arrangement (2116) is operable to emit electromagnetic radiation that is absorbed at the windscreen (2106) to expel moisture and/or ice from an external surface of the windscreen (2106).

13. A windscreen wiper arrangement of claim 12, characterized in that the radiation source arrangement (2116) includes one or more infra-red LEDs, one or more infra-red lasers, or one or more resistive- heating infra-red-radiation-emitting elements, and wherein the radiation source arrangement is detachably mounted upon the elongate member.

14. A windscreen wiper arrangement of claim 12 or 3, characterized in that the windscreen wiper arrangement (2100) includes a resonant inductive coupling arrangement (2118) at the proximate end of the at least one elongate member (2102) for coupling power to excite the radiation source arrangement (2116).

15. A windscreen wiper arrangement of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the windscreen wiper arrangement (2100) includes a polymeric, mineral or glass infra-red radiation absorbing external layer applied to the windscreen.

16. A windscreen wiper arrangement of claim 15, characterized in that the radiation absorbing external layer includes radiation absorbing particles that are sized to a wavelength of the infra-red radiation emitted from the radiation source arrangement (2116). 17. A windscreen wiper arrangement of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the radiation source arrangement (2116) includes a plurality of infra-red radiation sources disposed as a linear array along the at least one elongate member (2102).

18. A windscreen wiper arrangement of claim 17, characterized in that the at least one elongate member (2102) includes a wiper blade portion (2108) and a supporting portion (2110), and wherein the radiation source arrangement (2116) is mounted on the wiper blade portion (2108) and/or the supporting portion (2110).

19. A windscreen wiper arrangement of claims 12 to 18, including an image sensor (2120) that is mounted in operation behind the windscreen (2106), and a data processing arrangement (2122) that is operable to receive a sensor signal conveying at least one image from the image sensor (2120) and to process the at least one image to determine whether or not to energize the windscreen wiper arrangement (2100) to apply infra-red radiation to the external surface of the windscreen (2106).

20. A windscreen wiper arrangement of claims 12 to 19, including a control arrangement (2124) for a user to activate and deactivate the windscreen wiper arrangement (2100) and its associated radiation source arrangement (2116). 21. A method of operating a windscreen wiper arrangement for a vehicle, wherein the windscreen wiper arrangement (2100) includes at least one elongate member (2102) that is pivotally mounted at a proximate end thereof to an actuator arrangement (2104) that is operable to move at least one elongate member (2102) in a reciprocating angular motion, when in operation, over at least a part of a surface of a windscreen (2106) of the vehicle, characterized in that the method includes:

(i) providing the at least one elongate member (2102) with a radiation source arrangement (2116) included thereon; and (ii) operating the radiation source arrangement (2116) to emit electromagnetic radiation that is absorbable at the windscreen (2106) to expel moisture and/or ice from an external surface of the windscreen (106).

22. A method of claim 21, characterized in that the method (2400) includes arranging for the radiation source arrangement (2116) to include one or more infra-red LEDs, one or more infra-red lasers, or one or more resistive-heating infra-red-radiation-emitting elements, and wherein the radiation source arrangement is detachably mounted upon the elongate member.

23. A method of claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the method (2400) includes arranging for the windscreen wiper arrangement

(2100) to include a resonant inductive coupling arrangement (2118) at the proximate end of the at least one elongate member (2102) for coupling power to excite the radiation source arrangement (2116).

24. A method of any one of the claims 21, 22, 23, characterized in that the method (2400) includes arranging for the windscreen wiper arrangement (2100) to include a polymeric, mineral or glass infrared radiation absorbing external layer applied to the windscreen (2106).

25. A method of claim 24, characterized in that the method (2400) includes arranging for the windscreen wiper arrangement (2100) to include radiation absorbing particles that are sized to a wavelength of the infra-red radiation emitted from the radiation source arrangement (2116).

26. A method of any one of the claims 21 to 25, characterized in that the method (2400) includes arranging for the radiation source arrangement (2116) to include a plurality of infra-red radiation sources disposed as a linear array along the at least one elongate member (2102).

27. A method of claim 26, characterized in that the method (2400) includes arranging for the at least one elongate member (2102) to include a wiper blade portion (2108) and a supporting portion (2110), and wherein the radiation source arrangement (2116) is mounted on the wiper blade portion (2108) and/or the supporting portion (2110).

28. A method of any one of the claims 21 to 27, characterized in that the method (2400) includes arranging for the windscreen wiper arrangement (2100) to include an image sensor (2120) that is mounted in operation behind the windscreen (2106), and a data processing arrangement (2122) that is operable to receive a sensor signal conveying at least one image from the image sensor (2120) and to process the at least one image to determine whether or not to energize the windscreen wiper arrangement (2100) to apply infra-red radiation to the external surface of the windscreen (2106).

29. A method of any one of the claims 21 to 28, characterized in that the method (2400) includes arranging for the windscreen wiper arrangement (2100) to include a control arrangement (2124) for a user to activate and deactivate the windscreen wiper arrangement (2100) and its associated radiation source arrangement (2116).