Streamlined Flat Wiper Blade Fairing and Snap-Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat windshield wiper blades face challenges in maintaining consistent pressure and aerodynamics, particularly due to the size and curvature of traditional designs, which affect their efficiency and durability.
Innovation Solution
The development of a streamlined flat wiper blade with a fairing and specific end fittings and caps that include projecting abutments and ramps, allowing for precise alignment and snap-fastening mechanisms, enhances the blade's attachment to the windshield and improves aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If traditional flat wiper blade designs are used, then the blade structure is simple, but the pressure distribution along the blade is inconsistent and aerodynamics are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade is segmented into multiple functional components including a fairing, a support structure with multiple arms, and a blade assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the fairing for aerodynamics, the support arms for structural integrity and pressure distribution, and the blade for wiping - thereby achieving consistent pressure distribution while managing complexity through functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The fairing is positioned above the blade assembly, adding a vertical dimension to the traditional flat blade structure. This three-dimensional configuration improves aerodynamics by directing airflow over the blade while the support arms extend laterally to ensure even pressure distribution across the blade width, thus resolving the pressure inconsistency issue without excessive complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the wiper blade components are designed for easy assembly, then assembly is simplified, but component separation may occur during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is nested within the support structure, which is in turn nested within the fairing. This nested configuration allows components to be easily assembled by simply fitting one into another, while the interlocking geometry of the nested components prevents separation during operation, thus achieving both assembly simplicity and component retention reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fairing and support structure incorporate curved surfaces and rounded edges that facilitate easy insertion and assembly of components. These curved features also create friction and mechanical interference that prevent unintended separation, thereby achieving both ease of assembly and reliable component retention during wiper operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
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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.