Segmented Fin Ray Wiper Blade Curvature Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield wiper devices struggle to maintain consistent contact with sharply curved windshields, leading to streaks and fogging, especially under varying weather and temperature conditions, due to inadequate adaptation to curvature and inconsistent pressure distribution.
Innovation Solution
A windshield wiper device featuring a wiper blade with an elongated upper and lower part, connected by spaced-out elements that allow relative movement, with varying thickness and curvature along its length, enabling continuous change in angle and distance between parts to adapt to windshield curvature, ensuring uniform contact pressure and improved wiping quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the wiper blade is made rigid to maintain structural strength, then strength is improved, but adaptability to windshield curvature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade is divided into multiple fin ray elements (first fin ray element, second fin ray element, etc.) connected by articulation points. This segmentation allows each element to move independently, enabling the blade to adapt to curved windshields while maintaining overall structural integrity through the connected elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper blade incorporates dynamic articulation points that allow relative movement between fin ray elements. This dynamic structure enables the blade to change its configuration based on windshield curvature and operating conditions, transitioning from a rigid state during wiping to a flexible state for adaptation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wiper blade is made flexible to adapt to curvature, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the blade into discrete fin ray elements with standardized articulation points, the design achieves flexibility through assembly rather than continuous flexibility. This modular approach maintains manufacturing precision for each component while achieving overall adaptability through the configured arrangement of segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle parameters (α1, α2, α3) of the fin ray elements are specifically designed to change in a controlled manner. The monotonic change in these angles along the longitudinal extension provides predictable geometric progression that facilitates precise manufacturing while achieving the desired flexibility and curvature adaptation.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform pressure is applied across the wiper blade, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but wiping quality on curved surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade design creates non-uniform pressure distribution through the geometric configuration of fin ray elements with different angles. Each element is designed with specific local properties (angle αn) that create varying contact pressure along the blade, optimizing wiping quality on curved surfaces while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized components.
4Ease of manufacture
If the wiper blade structure is simplified to reduce cost, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented fin ray element design provides a cost-effective solution using simple, repeatable components that are easier to manufacture than a fully custom flexible blade. The modular nature allows for standardized production while the multi-element configuration ensures reliable performance across varying climatic and operational conditions through inherent flexibility and adaptation capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a windshield wiper device (100) for a vehicle, comprising a wiper blade (2) having an elongated upper part (10) and an elongated lower part (12), which are configured to be flexible, at least in part. Furthermore, the device comprises a plurality of connecting elements (18) for connecting the upper part (10) and the lower part (12), said connecting elements being spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal extension (8) of the wiper blade (2) and being configured to allow a movement of the upper part (10) and the lower part relative to one another with a motion component along a longitudinal extension (8) of the wiper blade (2). Furthermore, the connecting elements (18) are arranged relative to the lower part (12) in such a manner that an angle α of the respective longitudinal axes of the connecting elements (18) relative to the lower part (12) at least partially changes, in particular continuously changes, along a longitudinal extent (8) of the wiper blade (2).