Tesla gets patent to use laser beams as windshield wipers

Apart from cleaning debris from the windshield, the technology allows the use of pulsed laser beams to clean solar panels as well.

Tesla has managed to obtain a patent on a technology that uses laser beams as windshield wipers.

According to media reports, the American car brand has been working on a technology which 'cleans debris off a car using laser beams' for over two years now. The patent application for the same was filed a while back, which was approved by the United States Patent & Trademark Office, sometime last week.

The patent is titled, 'Pulsed laser cleaning of debris accumulated on glass articles in vehicles and photovoltaic assemblies'. Further, the images from the patent application clearly illustrate laser beams coming from the two rear-facing points on the bonnet, usually reserved for the wiper fluid nozzles.

As per reports, the technology also features multiple sensors and circuitry, which not only detects debris on the glass but also the amount of debris accumulated over a certain area. Then, based on various parameters the exposure level of the laser beam is determined, which is enough to remove the debris from the surface, but not high enough to penetrate the thickness of the glass and cause damage to any in-vehicle components.

Apart from cleaning debris from the windshield, the technology allows the use of pulsed laser beams to clean solar panels as well.

While the patent has been filed and approved, it doesn't actually guarantee or confirm that the technology will actually make its way to production vehicles.

Source: Electrek