Beam Blade Universal Coupler for Multi-Arm Wiper Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam blade windshield wiper assemblies are limited in compatibility with different wiper arm attachment members, requiring multiple replacement assemblies and increasing costs due to single-application couplers.
Innovation Solution
A universal coupler subassembly for beam blade windshield wiper assemblies that can be removably engaged with various wiper arm attachment members, including those with tracks, pins, and bent tabs, allowing for interchangeable attachment and reducing the need for multiple wiper assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-application coupler is used in beam blade windshield wiper assemblies, then the coupling mechanism is simple and reliable, but compatibility with different wiper arm attachment members is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single coupler assembly that can interface with multiple types of wiper arm attachment members (tracks, pins, bent tabs) through a unified structure. The coupler includes multiple engagement features that can adapt to different attachment styles, allowing one wiper blade assembly to replace multiple specialized assemblies, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler assembly is segmented into distinct functional components including a body portion, a track engagement portion with flanges, a pin reception portion with notches, and a bent tab engagement portion with rests. This segmentation allows each component to handle a specific attachment type independently, enabling the overall coupler to support multiple attachment styles while maintaining a manageable structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized wiper assemblies are provided for different wiper arm types, then compatibility is ensured, but aftermarket availability and consumer options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The universal coupler design enables a single wiper blade assembly to serve multiple wiper arm attachment types, directly addressing the aftermarket compatibility issue. Consumers can purchase one universal wiper assembly that works with various vehicle types and wiper arm styles, eliminating the need to stock or search for multiple specialized replacement assemblies.
3Ease of operation
If a universal coupler design is implemented, then compatibility and options are improved, but the coupler structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler incorporates dynamic elements such as resilient flanges that can flex to engage with tracks, notches that can accommodate pin variations, and rests that can adapt to bent tab positions. These dynamic features allow the coupler to automatically adjust to different attachment types during installation, simplifying the user operation despite the underlying structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple engagement mechanisms (track engagement via flanges, pin reception via notches, bent tab engagement via rests) into a single integrated coupler body. This consolidation allows the user to install one unified component rather than selecting and installing different coupler types, greatly simplifying the installation process despite the combined complexity of all engagement features.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a wiper blade system that includes a wiper blade assembly having a wiping element, at least one elongated beam and a carrier that is operatively engaged to the elongated beam. The wiper blade assembly further includes an airfoil and a coupler that is removably engaged to the carrier and adapted to releasably attach the wiper blade assembly to a wiper arm attachment member. The coupler is universal in that it is used for connecting the wiper blade assembly to various styles of wiper arms.