Flat-Blade Wiper Connector for Secure Rod Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen wiper devices with flat blades face issues of reduced reliability and increased corrosion due to varying widths and shapes of rod-like extensions, leading to play and inefficient force transfer.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a channel and retention mechanisms that securely engage a rod-like extension with a constant width and matching cross-sectional shape, featuring chambers and recesses to enhance retention and reduce play, while maintaining a twisted orientation for improved air flow and reduced pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rod-like extension with varying width and shape is used, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to play and inefficient force transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The rod-like extension is designed with a constant width and matching cross-sectional shape along its length, creating uniform local properties that eliminate play and improve force transfer efficiency, while still maintaining the necessary adaptability through the connecting device's retention mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the rod-like extension by specifying a constant width and matching cross-sectional shape, which transforms the variable geometry into a uniform geometry that improves reliability without sacrificing adaptability
2Reliability
If retention mechanisms with chambers and recesses are added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is segmented into distinct functional elements: a channel for receiving the rod-like extension, chambers at the ends for retention, and recesses for engagement. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanisms are designed to automatically engage and retain the rod-like extension through the interaction between the protrusions on the extension and the recesses in the connecting device, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations or complex retention systems
Data Source
AI summary
A windscreen wiper device of the flat blade type comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes at least one longitudinal groove, in which groove at least one longitudinal strip of the carrier element is disposed, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device (1) for a rod-like extension (2) of an oscillating arm, wherein said rod-like extension (2) can be pivotally connected to said connecting device (1) about a pivot axis near a free end thereof, wherein said connecting device (1) comprises a channel (15) arranged to receive said rod-like extension (2), wherein the connecting device (1) comprises a first and a second retention mechanism for retaining said rod-like extension (2) on said connecting device (1), wherein said first and second retaining mechanisms are arranged to engage in a first, respectively second recess provided on at least one longitudinal exterior side (18a, 18b) of said rod-like extension (2), wherein said channel (15) at least at the entrance and at the opposite end of said entrance has the same width for receiving a rod-like extension (2) having a substantially constant width along the distal end thereof.