Modular Wiper Blade Packaging with Segmented Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging devices for wiper blades lack flexibility, modularity, and cost-effectiveness, and do not facilitate easy removal or space-efficient storage of multiple blades.

Innovation Solution

A modular packaging device with interconnected wiper blade receiving units, a retaining wall for stability, and a destructible separating element for easy removal, along with hanging straps for convenient storage, all made from cardboard or plastic materials, allowing for compact and space-saving packaging of multiple blades.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a packaging device is designed to be modular with optional connection between wiper blade receiving units, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging device is divided into multiple separable wiper blade receiving units that can be individually manufactured and then optionally connected together. Each unit is a standalone module that can hold one or more wiper blades, and multiple units can be assembled in different configurations (single unit, double unit, etc.) depending on customer needs, thereby achieving flexibility without requiring a completely different design for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining wall and connecting elements are designed with universal functionality to work across different unit configurations. The same retaining wall structure serves both as a divider between units and as a connection element that can be used in single-unit or multi-unit configurations, reducing the variety of parts needed and managing complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple wiper blade receiving units are connected via retaining walls, then stability and compactness are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging device is divided into multiple separable wiper blade receiving units that can be individually manufactured and then optionally connected together. Each unit is a standalone module that can hold one or more wiper blades, and multiple units can be assembled in different configurations (single unit, double unit, etc.) depending on customer needs, thereby achieving flexibility without requiring a completely different design for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wiper blades are nested within the receiving units, which themselves are nested or connected via retaining walls to form compact multi-unit configurations. This nesting approach allows multiple functional elements to be space-efficiently arranged while maintaining individual manufacturability of each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If a destructible separating element is used to connect wiper blade receiving units, then ease of operation for blade removal is improved, but structural integrity during transport may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade removalVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The destructible separating element is pre-configured in a specific location and state during manufacturing, prepared in advance to be easily broken or separated when needed. This preliminary preparation allows the element to provide sufficient structural integrity during transport and storage, while enabling simple one-action removal when the customer needs to access the wiper blades, without requiring complex release mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If hanging straps are provided on each receiving unit, then ease of operation for storage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage convenienceVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hanging strap functionality is merged into the basic structure of each receiving unit rather than being added as a separate component. The strap is integrated into the unit design, likely formed from the same material or as part of the molding process, so that the storage convenience feature does not require additional parts or assembly steps, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution provides a flexible, cost-effective, and space-efficient packaging system that allows for easy removal and storage of wiper blades, enhancing stability and usability while reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a retaining wall (18b, 18b') which is connected to the wiper blade receiving unit (14b, 14b'), in particular via an adhesive connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive connection: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3558847B1Packaging device for packaging at least one wiper frame and system with a packaging device
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3558847B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3558847B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3558847B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a packaging device for packaging at least one wiper frame (10a, 12a; 10b, 12b), comprising at least one wiper-frame holding unit (14a; 14b), which, in a storage state, is provided for holding and storing at least one wiper frame (10a; 10b). According to the invention, the at least one wiper-frame holding unit (14a; 14b) is provided for optionally connecting to at least one further wiper-frame holding unit (16a; 16b).