"Non-intermittent" windshield wipers refer to early automotive systems that operated at only one or two constant, continuous speeds (e.g., low and high) and did not have a variable delay or pause function. These systems were primarily vacuum-powered until the early 1960s and were later replaced by electric motors.

Description of Non-Intermittent Wipers

Continuous Operation: Once turned on, the wipers moved back and forth continuously at a fixed speed, regardless of how much rain was on the windshield.

Fixed Speeds: The driver typically had only two settings: low speed and high speed.

Power Source: Early automatic systems were often powered by engine vacuum, which meant their speed could vary with engine load and acceleration. Electric motors provided more consistent power but still only offered fixed speeds initially.

Discontinuation and Evolution: Non-intermittent wipers have been largely discontinued as standard equipment in modern vehicles due to the invention and widespread adoption of superior technology:

Intermittent Wipers: American engineer Robert Kearns invented the intermittent (variable pause) wiper system, which allowed the driver to adjust the delay between wipes to match rainfall intensity. He was inspired by the blinking of the human eye.

Widespread Adoption: Ford introduced the first intermittent wipers on its Mercury line in 1969, and the technology quickly became a standard feature across the automotive industry.

Modern Systems: Today, even more advanced technologies like rain-sensing wipers, which automatically adjust their speed using optical sensors, are common in new cars.