Faired Wiper Blade Articulation for Curved Windshield Conformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield wipers with rigid cowl structures and uniaxial articulations struggle to follow the curvature of windshields effectively, compromising wiping performance and aesthetics, while also being difficult to mount without breaking.
Innovation Solution
The end cap is pivotably articulated on a yoke rather than directly on the central mount, allowing for both rotational and translational movement, with features like articulation bores, narrowing, and inclined mounting surfaces to facilitate easy assembly and enhance rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid cowl structure with direct articulation between end caps and central mount is used, then structural strength and simplicity are improved, but the ability to follow windshield curvature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation system is segmented into multiple independent components: the central mount, intermediate yokes, and end caps. Each yoke can articulate independently on the central mount while end caps articulate on the yokes, creating a segmented chain that can adapt to curved surfaces while maintaining structural integrity through rigid connections at each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from uniaxial rotation to multi-dimensional movement by allowing end caps to articulate on yokes rather than directly on the central mount. This creates additional degrees of freedom including translation along the yoke axis and rotation about multiple axes, enabling the structure to conform to three-dimensional windshield curvatures.
2Device complexity
If a direct articulation between end caps and central mount is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of mounting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting process is simplified through segmentation of the articulation system into modular components (central mount, yokes, end caps) that can be assembled sequentially. The yokes with pre-formed articulation points serve as intermediate mounting elements that reduce the complexity of directly connecting end caps to the central mount.
Solution Approach 2:
The yokes act as intermediary elements between the central mount and end caps, facilitating easier mounting by providing intermediate articulation points. These yokes with their specific geometric features (articulation bores, narrowing, inclined surfaces) serve as mediators that simplify the assembly process while maintaining structural requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If a rigid uniaxial articulation is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but visual appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation system transitions from static uniaxial rotation to dynamic multi-axis movement capabilities. The end caps can rotate and translate relative to yokes, which themselves can articulate on the central mount, creating a dynamic system that adapts its configuration based on windshield geometry while maintaining precise articulation through controlled degrees of freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional complexity to the articulation system by allowing movement beyond simple uniaxial rotation. The combination of translation along yoke axes and rotation about multiple axes creates a multi-dimensional articulation system that achieves both manufacturing precision through controlled movement and improved visual appearance through adaptive positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A windshield wiper for a vehicle. The windshield wiper includes a cowl with a central mount and at least one end cap disposed in the continuation of the central mount and at least one yoke mounted in pivotable articulation with the central mount. The at least one end cap being pivotably articulated on the at least one yoke.