Hydraulic Connector Protuberances for Wiper Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing windshield wiper systems face challenges in correctly aligning and connecting hydraulic and electrical connectors during blade replacement, leading to potential leaks and poor electrical contact, especially in low visibility conditions.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic connector with protuberances that align with the mechanical connector, ensuring correct lateral positioning and a latching mechanism to secure the connectors, along with a push-button for easy insertion and a loop for maintaining electrical connector orientation, facilitates easy and secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hydraulic connector is connected to the mechanical connector during blade replacement, then the windshield washer liquid can be supplied to the blade, but incorrect alignment may cause leakage and poor connection reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guidance protuberances on the hydraulic connector that interact with corresponding recesses in the mechanical connector. These protuberances act as intermediary alignment elements that automatically guide the hydraulic connector into the correct position during connection, eliminating the need for manual alignment and ensuring reliable sealing without requiring operator skill or visibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If the connector assembly requires precise manual alignment, then proper sealing can be achieved, but the operation becomes difficult in low visibility conditions and for inexperienced operators
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic connector is designed with self-aligning protuberances that automatically engage with the mechanical connector without requiring operator intervention for alignment. The operator simply needs to insert the connector, and the protuberances self-guidedly find and maintain the correct alignment position, making the connection process independent of visibility conditions or operator experience.
3Measurement precision
If the hydraulic connector is designed with alignment features, then connection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is segmented from the main sealing function. The protuberances are separate alignment elements that are integrated into the hydraulic connector body, while the sealing function is performed by distinct sealing elements. This segmentation allows each feature to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design compared to attempting to combine alignment and sealing in a single complex mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a hydraulic connector for a wiper system, said wiper system also comprising an arm intended to move a blade over the surface to be wiped, a blade (3) and a mechanical connector (10) fixed to said blade in order to attach it to the arm and able to be attached to the arm in a longitudinal movement with respect to said arm, said hydraulic connector (30) having at least one line (31, 32) for supplying a liquid to the blade (3) via the mechanical connector (10). Said hydraulic connector is characterized in that it comprises at least one protuberance (35) able to bear against un element (2a, 2b) of said wiper system in order to align the hydraulic connector (30) on the mechanical connector (10) during said longitudinal movement.