Rear Wiper Connecting Device With Interchangeable Connector Pieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aftermarket windscreen wiper blades often require customization for different sizes and styles of rear wiper arms, leading to high costs due to the need for specialized parts for each type and length, limiting economies of scale.
Innovation Solution
A flexible windscreen wiper device with a pre-curved wiper element and a connecting device featuring a base and interchangeable connector pieces that can be easily attached to various rear wiper arm styles without special tools, allowing the same parts to be used across different lengths and styles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If aftermarket wiper blades are customized for each type and length of rear wiper arm, then attachment compatibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of connector pieces for different wiper arm styles (Type A, Type B, Type D, Type E, and hook style). This allows a single base design to serve multiple functions across different vehicle types, achieving economies of scale while maintaining compatibility with various wiper arm configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device is divided into two separate components: a base that attaches to the wiper blade and interchangeable connector pieces that attach to different wiper arm styles. This segmentation allows the base to be manufactured in large quantities for a single design, reducing per-unit cost, while the connector pieces can be swapped to match different vehicle requirements
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple specialized parts are manufactured for different wiper arm styles, then attachment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base incorporates a universal mounting structure with holding elements that can securely attach to the wiper blade carrier regardless of the specific wiper arm type. This universal base design maintains attachment precision across all applications while reducing the number of unique part designs needed
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the connecting device into a universal base and style-specific connector pieces, the design isolates the complexity to only the connector pieces that need to vary, while the base remains simple and standardized. This segmentation reduces overall device complexity compared to having completely different bases for each wiper arm type
Data Source
AI summary
The windscreen wiper device includes a wiper element which is made of a flexible material and a carrier which operably supports the wiper element and biases the wiper element into a pre-curved position. A base is engaged with the carrier and at least one connector piece is releasably connectable with the base. The base includes a pair of holding elements which wrap around opposite lateral side edges of the carrier and a pair of laterally spaced side walls. The connector piece includes a pair of legs. A pair of projections are disposed in at least one of the side walls of the base and the legs of the connector piece and a pair of recesses are disposed on at least one of the side walls of the base and the legs of the connector piece for snappingly receiving the projections to releasably attach the connector piece with the base.