GM Files Patent For Sliding Wiper System

GM has filed a patent application for a sliding window wiper system for use in vehicles. The application was assigned patent number US 2025/0083644 A1 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and was published on March 13^th, 2025. The GM patent application was originally submitted on September 7^th, 2023, and lists Michigan-based engineer Gabriel Strong as the engineer.

The patent application describes a windshield wiper system designed specifically for vehicle windows, such as the rear window on an SUV, van, and wagon. Traditional rear wipers typically use a rotary motion, swinging in an arc and propelled by a single motor. This limits the area of the window that can be cleared, especially on taller or vertically oriented windows, often leaving large portions unswept. To address this, the system described in this patent application uses a sliding mechanism rather than a rotating arm.

This patent application describes a specially designed rail that attaches to the vehicle body and runs along the window. The rail includes two sections: one that runs horizontally and another that extends vertically. A wiper is mounted to the rail and moves along both axis, enabling the wiper to cover a much larger area of the window than a traditional wiper. In some versions, the rail sections connect through a curved or angled transition component, allowing smooth motion between the two directions.

A motor, mounted either directly to the rail or nearby, powers the wiper using gears and rollers. The system can include brackets and rollers that help keep the wiper properly aligned and pressed against the glass, and some models allow the wiper to return to a starting position when not in use. It’s also compatible with modern vehicle systems such as rain sensors and electronic controls, to help automate operation.

This design is especially useful for vehicles with large, square, or unusually shaped rear windows, where traditional rotary wipers can potentially leave blind spots.