Actuator Arm Sprayer Fastening for Wiper Proximity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing windshield wiper systems with integrated sprayers are costly and inefficient in maintaining close proximity to the glass surface during operation, as the sprayer nozzles can be deflected by air flow, leading to suboptimal washing performance.

Innovation Solution

A wiper device with a sprayer fastened to an actuator arm, featuring a guide clip and casing design that ensures the sprayer remains securely attached and moves in tandem with the wiper, maintaining close proximity to the glass surface, and includes a connector for efficient liquid distribution through a liquid feed pipe.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the sprayer is integrated into the windshield wiper blade, then the spray orifices can be positioned close to the glass surface, but the cost of the wiper system increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracy of spray orificesVSAvoidwiper system cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent parts: the actuator arm with integrated sprayer (permanent component) and the replaceable wiper blade (consumable component). This segmentation allows the expensive sprayer to remain in the actuator arm while the cheaper blade can be replaced, resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator arm serves as an intermediary carrier that holds both the sprayer and the wiper blade connection points. By fastening the sprayer to the actuator arm rather than the blade, the system achieves close positioning to the glass surface without integrating the sprayer into the expensive blade assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the sprayer is fastened to the actuator arm, then the sprayer remains in place during wiper changes, but the sprayer must be securely attached to withstand operational forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoidattachment strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The sprayer, guide clip, and actuator arm are combined into a single integrated assembly. The guide clip merges the functions of positioning the wiper blade and securing the sprayer to the actuator arm, creating a unified structure that withstands operational forces while maintaining washing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide clip features curved engagement surfaces that complement the shape of the actuator arm's mounting features. This curved geometry distributes mechanical stresses more effectively than flat surfaces, enhancing the attachment strength while allowing the sprayer to remain securely fastened during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Productivity

If the sprayer nozzles are positioned close to the glass surface, then washing efficiency improves, but air flow deflects the liquid jet when the vehicle is moving

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoidair flow deflection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sprayer is positioned on the actuator arm to follow the dynamic wiping motion of the blade. As the actuator arm moves the wiper blade across the glass surface, the sprayer dynamically tracks the blade's position, maintaining optimal proximity to the glass while the blade provides aerodynamic protection against air flow deflection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sprayer operates continuously during the wiping motion, delivering liquid precisely where the blade contacts the glass surface. This continuous action ensures that the liquid is applied at the optimal moment when the blade is pressing against the glass, maximizing washing efficiency while minimizing exposure to deflecting air flows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables efficient washing of the glass surface by keeping spray orifices close to the surface and reduces the overall cost of the wiper system by allowing the sprayer to remain attached during wiper changes, improving both washing efficiency and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

windshield washer liquid is fed into the liquid feed pipe and then into the sprayer via the connector and leaves it via the spray orifice

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through connected components:

Data Source

PatentUS10035496B2Wiping device for a motor vehicle glass surface

Publication Date: 2018.07.31 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS

AI summary

The present invention concerns a motor vehicle glazed surface wiper device including an actuator arm (1; 10; 60) adapted to be connected to a windshield wiper (2), a liquid feed pipe (3) carried by the actuator arm (1) and at least one sprayer (4; 4′; 4″; 40; 50) having at least one spray orifice (45) and a connector (5) adapted to be inserted into the liquid feed pipe (3), characterized in that said sprayer (4; 4′; 4″; 40; 50) is fastened to the actuator arm (1; 10; 60).The present invention also concerns a mechanical connector for motor vehicle windshield wipers and a wiper device.