US Patent 7401527 Windshield wiper pressure sensor

A pressure sensor assembly for measuring the pressure between a windshield and a windshield wiper. The pressure sensor assembly includes a support structure, a strain gage and a bearing member. The support structure supports the wiper spaced apart from the windshield. The strain gage is coupled to the support structure for providing pressure measurement data corresponding to the amount of strain in the support wall due to the pressure applied by the wiper toward the windshield. The bearing member is fixedly secured to the support structure to minimize friction between the pressure sensor assembly and the windshield.