I have been reading with interest about a wiperless windshield. Designed by Italian car designer, Leonardo Fioravanti of Pininfarina the ”Hidra” is a working prototype concept car. The Hidra has an aerodynamic design and uses four layers to achieve this effect.
The top layer repels water and protects from the sun. The second layer features “nano-dust” which pushes the dirt to the outer edges of the windshield. This layer is activated by the third layer which senses the dust in the first place. The last layer conducts electricity which keeps it all up and running.
Sounds like a great idea - although it mentions it will take around five years before it finds its way to the family car. Would be good if they could create a completely self cleaning car, especially as here in Melbourne at the moment, we have plenty of dust gathering on our cars due to lack of rain and restrictions on washing them!
Aidan | 06-Apr-08 at 1:50 pm | Permalink
Carol, The prospect of covering an entire car body with the same layered material seems quite feasible (In my relatively uninformed opinion). Perhaps with a couple of layers to help protect the body work and for adhesion to the existing layers. But if they don’t come up with the technology, suggest it to Larry.