Bosch Jet Wiper – new wiper-arm generation makes driving safer

The new Bosch Jet Wiper brings innovation to the windshield. The nozzle elements, which are integrated into the wiper arm, spray the washer fluid onto the windshield directly to the front of the wiper blades. As a result, the windshield surface is evenly cleaned, and the spray mist does not compromise the driver’s vision. “The Jet Wiper shows that Bosch can make further improvements to even such seemingly mature products as windshield wipers,” says Udo Wolz, president of the Bosch Electrical Drives division.

Clear vision enhances safety 
Conventional windshield cleaning systems are designed for a certain speed. As vehicles speed up, the airstream increases, and this diverts the stream of washer fluid. As a result, less fluid ends up in the area that needs to be washed, and the windshield is not cleaned as well as it should be. Via either one or two nozzle elements integrated in the wiper arm, the Jet Wiper ensures that just the right amount of washer fluid lands exactly where it is needed – namely, immediately to the front of the wiper blade’s lip. Cleaning the windshield in this way reduces the amount of fluid required by up to 30 percent, and the tank has to be refilled less frequently. Alternatively, automakers can make the washer-fluid tank smaller, which saves valuable space and reduces vehicle weight. This, in turn, helps reduce CO₂ emissions.

Use of standard wiper blades and integrated heating 
The Jet Wiper does not require special wiper blades, as it is compatible with commercially available ones. Changing the wiper blades is done in exactly the same way as before, with no extra effort or cost. What is more, the system can be heated: when outside temperatures drop below 5 degrees Celsius, a temperature sensor turns on a heater for the supply hoses and nozzles. This helps ensure that the cleaning nozzles operate reliably in winter conditions.

Bosch has consistently improved wiper technology
The wiper system success story began as early as 1926. At the time, Bosch was the first to bring a wiper system to market that operated at steady intervals and was powered by electric motors. Following a number of improvements over the years, the company introduced the twin wiper, which was the first wiper blade to feature a two-component synthetic rubber and integrated spring bars. The hard wiper lip ensured clear vision, and the soft back eased the reversing behavior of the rubber when the wiper changed direction. Launched in 1999, joint-free Aerotwin windshield wipers marked another milestone. The one-piece rubber profile with integrated spring bars and spoiler is quieter, especially at higher speeds, and ensures consistent washing performance. Today, these wipers are in widespread use across the automotive industry. Launched in 2001, the first electronically operated wiper system with two separate motors took up significantly less space. The same is true of the world’s first direct drive for wiper systems in a mass-produced vehicle, which eliminates the need for rods under the hood. The technology has been in series production since 2011.