Direct-Mount Wiper Blade Assembly Without a Wiper Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield wiper systems require complex assembly and additional components like wiper arms, increasing costs and complexity, while also being prone to mechanical and electrical damage during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A wiper device design where the wiper blade is directly fastened to the wiper drive using a fastening unit integrated with a fluidic and electrical connection element, eliminating the need for a wiper arm by positioning the fastening unit at the longitudinal end section of the wiper blade, which includes a cantilever and eccentric configuration for secure attachment, and incorporates a self-centering assembly mechanism for fluidic and electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wiper arm is used to connect the wiper blade to the wiper drive, then the mechanical connection is stable, but the assembly complexity increases and additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the wiper arm from the traditional wiper system. The wiper blade is directly fastened to the wiper drive output element, removing the intermediate wiper arm component while maintaining functional integrity through the integrated fastening unit with cantilever and eccentric mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening unit combines multiple functions into a single integrated component. The fastening unit includes both the mechanical fastening elements (cantilever, eccentric) and the electrical connection elements in one unified structure that directly connects the wiper blade to the wiper drive, eliminating the need for separate wiper arm and electrical connection components
2Reliability
If additional components like wiper arms are used, then the mechanical connection is stable, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the wiper arm component entirely, reducing the bill of materials and manufacturing costs. The direct fastening of the wiper blade to the wiper drive output element eliminates the need to manufacture, assemble, and maintain a separate wiper arm component
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical fastening, electrical connection, and structural support. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate components, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost
3Device complexity
If the wiper blade is directly fastened to the wiper drive, then the assembly complexity is reduced, but the risk of mechanical and electrical damage during assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates protective elements in advance within the fastening unit design. The integrated structure includes features that cushion and protect against mechanical impacts and electrical damage during the assembly process, preventing damage before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the mechanical fastening and electrical connection into a single integrated fastening unit, the patent reduces the number of separate assembly operations. This integration minimizes the opportunities for mechanical and electrical damage during assembly while maintaining direct connection between the wiper blade and drive
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper device, at least for cleaning a windshield of a vehicle and/or a sensor, having at least one wiper blade which is configured at least to sweep over at least a part of the windshield during a cleaning process, and which has at least one fastening unit at least for fixing the wiper blade to a wiper drive of the vehicle, in particular an output element of the wiper drive of the vehicle. It is proposed that the fastening unit is arranged in a longitudinal end section of the wiper blade.