Articulated Wiper Blade Structure for Simpler Manufacturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiper blades for motor vehicles are complex to manufacture and relatively expensive.

Innovation Solution

A wiper blade design where the tilting web element is positively attached to the wiper strip and spring rail, forming an articulated connection, allowing for a simple and cost-effective structure with optimal wiping performance across various temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional wiper blade designs with separate components are used, then reliable wiping function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the tilting bar element and spring rail into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate attachment mechanisms. This merging reduces the number of parts, simplifies manufacturing processes, and lowers production costs while maintaining the functional requirements of the wiper blade assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated tilting bar element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables articulation between wiping edges, and incorporates the spring rail function for pressure application. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby simplifying the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tilting bar element is made of a single material, then manufacturing is simplified, but optimal performance across temperature ranges is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs different materials for the tilting bar element and wiper strip to optimize performance across varying temperatures. The tilting bar element uses a material with appropriate thermal expansion characteristics, while the wiper strip uses a material that maintains flexibility and wiping effectiveness across the temperature range, with each material selected for its specific functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the wiper blade assembly use different materials optimized for their specific functions. The tilting bar element uses a material optimized for structural stability and thermal performance, while the wiper strip uses a material optimized for flexibility and wiping contact, allowing each component to perform optimally in its local environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 design results in a simpler, more cost-effective wiper blade that maintains an even wiping pattern across a wide temperature range with reliable attachment of the wiping edges to the windshield.

Implementation Method 1

only the first wiping edge or the second wiping edge rests on the windscreen due to deformation of the tilting web element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3999386B1Wiper blade, in particular for a windscreen of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3999386B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3999386B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3999386B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a wiper blade (10), in particular for a windscreen (30) of a motor vehicle. Said wiper blade comprises a spring rail (12), on which a holding means (14) for fastening to a wiper arm is arranged. Furthermore, a wiping strip (18) and a tilting web element (16) are provided. According to the invention, the tilting web element (16) is fastened to the wiping strip (18) in a form-fitting manner, and said tilting web element is fastened to the spring rail (12), thereby connecting the spring rail (12) to the wiping strip (18).