Streamlined Flat Wiper Blade Fairing and Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat wiper blade technologies face challenges in maintaining consistent pressure and aerodynamic efficiency, particularly in distributing force along the blade length and ensuring proper attachment to the windscreen wiper arm.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a streamlined flat wiper blade design featuring a central mount and end cap with projecting abutments and elastic snap-fastening mechanisms, which allow for precise pivoting and attachment to the wiper arm, while also incorporating aerodynamic deflectors to enhance performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a flat wiper blade is equipped with a fairing to improve aerodynamics, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but the complexity of the blade structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fairing as an aerodynamic cover that encompasses the entire blade structure, merging the aerodynamic function with the existing blade components (connector, adapter, vertebrae) into a unified streamlined assembly, thereby improving aerodynamics without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fairing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides aerodynamic streamlining, houses the connector and adapter assemblies, protects internal components, and maintains structural integrity across the entire blade length, thereby achieving aerodynamic improvement without adding dedicated separate components for each function
2Reliability
If a mechanical connector and adapter assembly is used to attach the blade to the wiper arm, then secure attachment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into distinct functional segments: a connector fixed to the blade structure, an adapter with a transverse articulation axis for angular movement, and a snap-fastening mechanism with lugs and recesses. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while simplifying the overall assembly and disassembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates a transverse articulation axis that enables dynamic angular adjustment between the connector and the wiper arm, allowing the blade to adapt to different windshield angles and maintain optimal contact during operation, thereby securing attachment while enabling necessary movement
3Stress or pressure
If longitudinal vertebrae are added to stiffen the wiper blade, then pressure distribution is improved, but the blade structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The vertebrae are strategically positioned at specific locations along the blade length rather than uniformly distributed, with each vertebra providing localized stiffening and pressure distribution where needed. The fairing integrates these vertebrae into its structure, combining the stiffening function with the aerodynamic cover without adding separate external components
Data Source
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AI summary
A flat, faired wiper blade (1), in particular for a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises: a longitudinal wiping blade (8), at least one longitudinal stiffening vertebra (6), a longitudinal retaining element (7) for said wiping blade and said stiffening vertebra, a longitudinal fairing (2, 3) comprising two end caps (3) and a central mount (2) extending between the end caps and being connected to them, the mount comprising means for attachment to said stiffening vertebra or to said retaining element for said vertebra, and each cap comprising means for guiding in translation of end parts of said element.