Flexible Latching Lug Cap for Wiper Motor Driver Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing caps for wiper blade motor driver heads are inflexible and cannot be easily adapted to fit different shapes and dimensions, limiting their versatility and compatibility with various driver heads.
Innovation Solution
A cap design featuring a shell with a flexible latching lug that extends into the interior volume, allowing for adaptation to different shapes and dimensions, including larger sizes, by incorporating an interior partition and reinforcing rib, enabling the same driver head to accommodate various cap types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cap is designed with fixed shape and dimensions to meet regulations and style constraints, then the cap maintains standardized appearance and compliance, but the cap cannot be adapted to fit different driver head shapes and dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The latching lug is designed as a flexible element that can deform during installation and operation. This dynamic flexibility allows the lug to adapt to variations in driver head geometry while maintaining a secure connection, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap design incorporates a latching mechanism where the latching lug's position and orientation can vary within certain ranges. This parameter variability enables the same cap design to accommodate different driver head shapes and dimensions without requiring multiple specialized cap variants.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the latching lug is positioned on the external envelope of the cap, then the cap maintains a compact external profile, but the cap cannot accommodate larger or differently shaped caps on existing driver heads
Solution Approach 1:
The latching lug is repositioned from the external envelope to the interior volume of the cap, utilizing the internal space rather than external projections. This dimensional repositioning allows the cap to maintain a clean external profile while internally accommodating larger or differently shaped driver heads through the flexible latching mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching lug is nested within the interior volume of the cap shell, allowing the latching function to be integrated inside the cap rather than adding external complexity. This nested configuration enables the cap to adapt to various driver head sizes without increasing external dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cap uses a rigid latching mechanism on the external surface, then the cap provides secure attachment, but the cap cannot be easily adapted to different driver head configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The latching lug transitions from a rigid external component to a flexible internal element that can deform to match different driver head geometries. This dynamic adaptability maintains secure attachment across various configurations while enabling versatility in fitting different driver head shapes and sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching lug is designed with flexible characteristics, allowing it to bend and conform to different driver head surfaces. This flexibility enables reliable latching across various driver head configurations while maintaining the security of attachment through elastic deformation and resilient engagement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the use of caps with various shapes and dimensions, enhancing compatibility and adaptability, allowing the same driver head to receive different types of caps, and providing a secure fit through the latching mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flexible latching lug (5) arranged to cooperate with a complementary latching element (6) on the driver (2)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a cap (1) for a driver, in particular for a driver head (2), this driver being arranged to cooperate with a shaft of a windshield wiper motor, this cap comprising: - a shell (3) defining an internal volume, - a flexible snap-on tab (5) arranged to cooperate with a complementary snap-on element on the driver, this snap-on tab extending at least partially, in particular totally, into the internal volume of the shell.