Planing

Pendulum Wiper

Pantograph Wiper

Port Side

Understanding Pendulum Wipers: The Key to Clear Vision at Sea

Pendulum wipers play a crucial role when talking about safety and visibility in the maritime world. These are windshield wipers specifically designed for ships and marine vehicles, taking the name from their pendulum-like motions. Pendulum wipers swing back and forth to efficiently remove rain, salt, spray, and other debris from the windshield, ensuring a clear path of vision for the crew or pilot, especially during harsh and unfavourable sea conditions.

How Pendulum Wipers Differ from Pantograph Wipers

In comparing pendulum wipers with pantograph wipers, the latter use a mechanical linkage design that mimics an imaginary pantograph. This means that pantograph wipers move in a unique manner, extending, and retracting like a pair of compasses, while pendulum wipers swing like a regular wiper, albeit covering a larger area. Both are popular types of wiper systems used in the maritime industry, chosen based on the specific requirements of ship design and windshield shape.

One common issue encountered, not only in maritime but also in standard automotive wipers, is 'juddering'. Juddering refers to the shuddering or stuttering motion that occurs when the wiper blade does not move smoothly across the windshield. This can be due to many factors, including a misaligned wiper arm, a bent blade, a dry windshield, or build-up of grime or debris. Regular inspection and proper maintenance, including cleaning and aligning, can prevent and fix juddering wipers onboard a ship.

In freezing weather conditions, it is common to see vehicles with their wiper blades flipped to prevent them from freezing to the windshield. However, on a ship, this practice may not be as common due to the constant exposure to harsh weather conditions. Marine wipers are designed to work even in the toughest weather, and are often heated to prevent freezing. Nevertheless, proper winter maintenance and the use of a specially designed winter blade can increase the lifespan and efficiency of your pendulum wipers in freezing conditions.

In conclusion, understanding how pendulum wipers work, how they differ from pantograph wipers, addressing juddering issues, and knowing the right way to handle them in snowy conditions will contribute to a safer and smoother sailing experience.

Pendulum Wiper
Definition and Examples

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Pendulum WiperDefinition and Examples

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Accurate marine forecasts for free.

Pendulum Wiper
Definition and Examples