Lateral Membrane Arrangement in Wiper Drive Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive devices for windscreen wiper systems in motor vehicles are prone to increased installation space requirements and risk of membrane damage due to the need for a separate protective cover, which also makes them taller and more susceptible to damage during assembly.
Innovation Solution
The membrane is arranged on the side of the housing, specifically on a peripheral wall section that forms an angle with the top side, eliminating the need for a separate protective cover and allowing for easier water runoff, with options for attachment such as gluing, welding, or overmoulding with a plastic frame, and a collar for fastening the housing cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the membrane is arranged on the top side of the housing, then air exchange can take place between motor housing and transmission housing, but the membrane requires a separate protective cover which increases device height and installation space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is merged into the motor housing itself. The motor housing is designed to laterally cover and protect the membrane, eliminating the need for a separate protective cover. This integration reduces the number of components and minimizes installation space while maintaining membrane protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane arrangement transitions from a horizontal position on the top housing surface to a lateral position on the side housing surface. This dimensional change allows the motor housing to naturally protect the membrane from above, providing protection without requiring additional protective covers.
2Reliability
If a separate protective cover is provided for the membrane, then the membrane is protected from damage, but the drive device becomes taller and more susceptible to damage during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is merged into the motor housing structure. The motor housing extends laterally to cover the membrane, providing protection without requiring a separate protective cover that would increase device height.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing a protective cover above the membrane (external protection), the protection comes from above through the motor housing that is positioned laterally over the membrane. This inverted approach provides protection while reducing overall device height.
3Ease of operation
If the membrane is arranged on the top side of the housing, then air exchange is enabled, but the membrane is exposed to damage risk during assembly and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is relocated from the horizontal top surface to the vertical side surface of the housing. This positional change in another dimension allows the motor housing to protect the membrane from above while the membrane maintains its air exchange function through the side housing surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function and air exchange function are merged into a single integrated design. The motor housing provides protection while the membrane on the side housing surface maintains air exchange capability, eliminating the need for separate protective covers.
4Ease of operation
If the membrane is arranged on the top side of the housing, then air exchange can occur, but the drive device requires larger installation space in confined areas
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane arrangement moves from the horizontal top plane to the vertical side plane of the housing. This dimensional transition reduces the horizontal installation footprint while maintaining air exchange functionality, enabling installation in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover and membrane housing functions are merged into the motor housing structure. This integration eliminates the need for additional protective covers that would increase installation space requirements.
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
This design minimizes the risk of membrane damage, reduces installation space, and allows for easier installation in confined spaces while maintaining effective air exchange, with the membrane being protected by the motor housing during assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane (14) arranged on a housing side section (16) of the gear housing (3), by which membrane air exchange between the interior of the transmission housing (3) and the environment is enabled
Implementation Method 2
a membrane (14) arranged on the housing side section (16) of the gear housing (3), by which membrane air exchange between the interior of the transmission housing (3) and the environment is enabled, which is why it is also referred to as a breathable membrane
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a drive device (1), in particular for window wiping devices in motor vehicles, having a motor housing (2) which is fixed to a gearbox housing (3) which has a housing upper side (7), and having an air-permeable diaphragm (14) which closes off an opening (15) which is provided in the gearbox housing (3), said diaphragm (14) having the purpose of equalizing pressure when fluctuations in temperature occur. The invention provides that the diaphragm (14) is arranged on a housing side section (16) which runs at an angle to a housing upper side (7). In addition, the invention relates to a motor vehicle having a mounted drive device (1).