Ahh, the sound of innovation.
The McLaren automobile company recently announced that they are developing a new windshield void of windshield wipers that clears dirt and debris with the help of high frequency sound waves.
McLaren chief designer Frank Stephenson said the company got the idea by studying the use of high frequency sound waves on fighter planes. A typical fighter jet uses sound waves to keep insects and other obstructions off the windshield.
Stephenson noted that the removal of the wipers would improve the car’s fuel economy by eliminating the weight of the wiper motors. It would also make the car more aerodynamic.
According to one expert, the cars would be fitted with a small transducer that would send 30 kHz sound waves across the glass. The expert said the device could cost as little as $15, less than the cost of one replacement wiper in today’s market.
110 Years Old
The first windshield wipers appeared in 1903, and believe it or not they needed to be manually operated by the driver. Each car was fitted with a hand-crank that moved the wipers back and forth.
As technology advanced, automobile companies soon added motors to make it safer for drivers to clear their windshield. Today, windshield wipers are treated with a special formula to repel water, but they could be going the way of the dinosaurs in the not-so-distant future.
Although the cars aren’t yet on the market, it’s a good idea to start saving your money now if you’re interested in purchasing one of the vehicles. McLaren’s current line of vehicles is priced between $230,000 and $1.15 million, although they have stated that they are working on a bargain vehicle for the mere price of $125,000.
Related source: The Sunday Times, Fox News