Offset Yoke Connection for Windscreen Wiper Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current design of windscreen wiper arms with yokes interferes with air flow, causing aerodynamic disturbances and lift issues due to the external end portion of the connecting part obstructing airflow, leading to reduced wiper efficacy.
Innovation Solution
The exterior longitudinal end of the connecting part is offset from the interior longitudinal end of the terminal part, allowing for improved airflow and reducing the longitudinal dimension of the terminal part, which minimizes aerodynamic disturbances and lift by altering the connection zone and shape of the yoke.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the exterior longitudinal end of the connecting part is connected to the interior longitudinal end of the terminal part (conventional configuration), then the structural simplicity is maintained, but aerodynamic disturbances and lift are generated due to air flow obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by offsetting the connection zone along the longitudinal dimension. Instead of connecting at the extreme end (0D point), the connection is moved to a position spaced from the interior longitudinal end, creating a longitudinal offset that allows air to flow underneath the connecting part, thereby reducing aerodynamic disturbances and lift while maintaining structural simplicity
2Length of stationary object
If the exterior longitudinal end of the connecting part is connected to the interior longitudinal end of the terminal part, then the longitudinal dimension of the terminal part can be reduced, but aerodynamic lift causes the arm to raise and reduces wiping efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by utilizing longitudinal spacing to create vertical aerodynamic benefits. The offset connection zone allows air to pass underneath, reducing lift and preventing arm raising, thereby maintaining wiping efficacy even with a compact terminal part design
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the connection zone is offset longitudinally outward, then aerodynamic disturbances are reduced, but the connection structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the yoke into distinct connecting part and terminal part with a defined offset connection zone. This segmentation allows the aerodynamic benefits of offset connection to be achieved while maintaining clear functional boundaries and simplified manufacturing of each component
Data Source
AI summary
Yoke (14a′) for drive arm (14′) of a wiper (12) of a windscreen wiper system (10′) of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, said yoke including:a connecting part (30′) of elongate general shape and including an interior longitudinal end (30a′) intended to be connected to a drive means of the arm and an exterior longitudinal end (30b′),a terminal part (28′) of the arm forming a yoke for fixing it to said wiper, said terminal part having an elongate general shape and including an exterior longitudinal end (28b″) and an interior longitudinal end (28a′) that is intended to be situated on the side of said drive means,characterized in that the exterior longitudinal end (30b′) of said connecting part (30′) is connected to said terminal part (28′) in a zone (C) that is longitudinally spaced from said interior longitudinal end (28a′) of the terminal part (28′).