Adjustable Wiper Arm Coupling Structure for Variable Blade Lengths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiper arm coupling structures are limited in accommodating wiper blades of different lengths, requiring adjustments in the shank shape, which complicates the attachment and detachment process.

Innovation Solution

A coupling structure featuring a wiper arm with a coupling member that can be fixed at any position along the arm shank, using rail and recess portions for sliding engagement, allowing for adjustable attachment of wiper blades of varying lengths without the need for complex shank shape modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the wiper arm and wiper blade are coupled at one fixed place, then the coupling structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate wiper blades of different lengths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different blade lengthsVSAvoidcoupling structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling member is designed to be movable along the arm shank in the longitudinal direction, allowing it to be positioned at different locations depending on the wiper blade length. This dynamic positioning capability enables a single wiper arm design to accommodate multiple blade lengths without changing the arm shank shape, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the coupling position changes with blade length, then adaptability improves, but the shank shape must be modified which increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different blade lengthsVSAvoidshank shape modification complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling function is segmented into a separate coupling member that is independent of the arm shank. The arm shank maintains a fixed, simple shape while the coupling member handles the positioning variability. This segmentation allows the shank to remain easy to manufacture while the coupling member provides the necessary adaptability through its movable design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a single coupling point is used, then the structure is simple, but attachment and detachment work becomes difficult when blade length changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment and detachment easeVSAvoidcoupling structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling member acts as an intermediary between the arm shank and the blade holding member. It provides a standardized interface that can be easily attached and detached, while its ability to move along the arm shank allows it to accommodate different blade lengths. This intermediary design simplifies the attachment and detachment operations while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3604053B1Coupling structure of wiper arm

Publication Date: 2021.04.28 MITSUBA CORP

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AI summary

A coupling structure of a wiper arm is provided. A coupling structure of a wiper arm (22) includes the wiper arm (22), an adaptor (13) that is fixed at an arbitrary position in a longitudinal direction (X) of an arm shank (12) constituting the wiper arm (22), and a blade holding member (14) that engages with the adaptor (13) and holds a wiper blade (10). Since the adaptor (13) can be fixed at an arbitrary position in the longitudinal direction (X) of the arm shank (12), the blade holding member (14) can be fixed at an arbitrary place in the longitudinal direction (X) of the arm shank (12).