Wiper plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable wiping plates face issues with complex toothed mechanisms that can lead to mechanical failure and dirt accumulation, requiring high operational forces and complex constructions.
Innovation Solution
A foldable wiping plate design featuring an elastically deformable area interacting with latching means, allowing for a simpler and cost-effective operation using a foot or hand-operated release device, eliminating the need for complex bearings and toothed mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If toothed mechanisms are used to synchronize and prevent pivoting of plate wings, then the plate wings can be locked in position, but the mechanism becomes complex and prone to mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex toothed mechanism entirely and replaces it with a simple elastic deformation-based locking system. The elastic area deforms under foot pressure to release the plate wings from their locked position, eliminating gears, teeth, and associated complexity while maintaining reliable locking through the elastic memory effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical toothed engagement system with an elastic deformation system. Instead of interlocking teeth and gears, the locking mechanism relies on the elastic properties of a specific area that deforms under force to release the lock, replacing complex mechanical interactions with a simpler elastic response.
2Reliability
If toothed mechanisms are used for locking plate wings, then the wings can be held in position, but dirt and wiping medium parts can accumulate in the toothing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the toothed structure that creates crevices and gaps where dirt and wiping medium residues can accumulate. The smooth elastic deformation surface prevents material buildup, making the locking mechanism resistant to contamination while maintaining its locking function.
3Reliability
If complex bearing and toothing structures are used, then the plate wings can be synchronized, but the device becomes more expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive precision bearings and toothed components with a simple elastic deformation mechanism. The synchronization and locking functions are achieved through the elastic memory effect of a deformable area, eliminating the need for precision-machined parts and reducing manufacturing costs significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple elastic area that can be molded or formed as a single-piece component, replacing expensive precision mechanical parts. This approach prioritizes cost-effective manufacturing over complex precision engineering, achieving the same functional results with much simpler, cheaper components.
4Ease of operation
If foot pedal is used as release device, then the operation is simplified, but high forces are required and more height from floor is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the mechanical parameters of the release mechanism by using elastic deformation instead of rigid lever arms. This changes the force transmission characteristics, allowing the foot pedal to operate with reduced force requirements while maintaining the simplicity of foot-operated release.
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
The design provides a reliable, easy-to-operate, and cost-effective solution with reduced risk of mechanical failure and dirt accumulation, ensuring smooth folding and locking of the plate wings without high operational forces.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable area (95) which interacts with the latching means (11, 13) and which is deformed by the release device (4) when the actuating means (4) are actuated
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a foldable wiper plate comprising a joint adapter (5) for attaching a handle, a lockable plate wing (2) pivotally connected to the joint adapter (5), a passive plate wing (3) held therein, locking means for locking the lockable plate wing (2) in a working position, formed by at least one retaining detent (11) and at least one locking edge, and a release device for releasing the locking means so that the lockable plate wing (2) can be pivoted about the first pivot axis (7) after release. The aim is to optimize known wiper plates with regard to function and manufacturing costs.The invention achieves this by arranging the retaining catch (11) and the locking edge on the joint adapter (5) and the lockable plate wing (2), wherein a deformable area and a part of the release device that can be pressed against this area by the actuating means (4) are provided, whereby the elastically deformable area is displaced in such a way that the locking edge and the retaining catch (11) are thereby disengaged.