Removable Window Wiper Unit with Dual Vacuum-Magnetic Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window wiper units lack a dual safety attachment mechanism, are limited in body material compatibility, and require cumbersome mechanical fixation, posing a risk of detachment and limited adaptability across various vehicle types and surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A removable window wiper unit utilizing a combination of vacuum and magnetic attachment mechanisms, along with a servo motor and remote control, ensuring secure and easy installation without external power or mechanical screws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single vacuum pad attachment is used, then the attachment mechanism is simple, but the reliability is poor due to vacuum leaks causing the wiper to fall

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dual attachment mechanism where a permanent magnet provides continuous background attraction force to the ferromagnetic vehicle body, creating a safety reserve. The vacuum pad operates alongside this magnetic force, so that if vacuum pressure is lost, the magnetic attraction maintains attachment. This beforehand cushioning through redundant magnetic attachment prevents the harmful effect of complete detachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If magnetic attachment is used, then the device can attach to ferromagnetic surfaces, but it cannot attach to non-magnetic materials like glass, plastic, or aluminum

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface material compatibilityVSAvoidattachment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two different attachment mechanisms - magnetic attraction and vacuum adhesion - into a single hybrid system. The permanent magnet provides attachment to ferromagnetic surfaces, while the vacuum pad provides attachment to non-magnetic surfaces like glass and plastic. This merging allows the wiper to be universally compatible with all common vehicle body materials while maintaining secure attachment through the combined forces of both mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If mechanical screwing or tethering is used for fixation, then the attachment is secure, but the installation becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical screwing or tethering system with a hybrid magnetic-vacuum attachment mechanism. The permanent magnet and vacuum pad work together to provide secure attachment without requiring any mechanical fasteners, holes, or complex mounting procedures. This substitution maintains strong attachment security while dramatically simplifying installation to merely positioning the device and activating the vacuum pump.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a compact wiper unit is designed, then the device is versatile for various applications, but the motor size is reduced limiting power availability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication versatilityVSAvoidmotor power
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional DC motor with a servo motor that provides precise angular control for the wiper arm. This substitution enables compact design while maintaining sufficient power because the servo motor can be optimized for high torque at low speeds, which is ideal for wiper applications. The servo motor's electronic control system allows for efficient power usage and precise motion control, achieving both compactness and adequate power for various vehicle and application types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Provides a compact, self-sufficient, and redundant attachment system that securely attaches to diverse surfaces, including non-magnetic materials, with easy installation and operation, suitable for various applications beyond vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum pump (3) for providing a vacuum in a pad vacuum cavity (32) of the wiper housing (4) so that the wiper housing (4) is fixed to the surface (24)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

a permanent magnet (12) being fixed to the wiper housing (4) and on the other side of the surface (24) a counter-magnet (14) is provided, resulting in the permanent magnet (12) and the counter-magnet (14) getting attracted to each other towards the surface (24)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4663488A1Removable window wiper unit
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 TIGS DESIGN & ENGINEERING GMBH
  • EP4663488A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4663488A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4663488A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A removable window wiper unit (27) is proposed which comes with a remote transmitter (5) and has a double and independent securing for attaching said window wiper unit (27) to any surface as eg a window (24). The features of this window wiper unit (27) comprise a wiper housing (4) containing - an electronics compartment (11) with a micro-controller (102) for controlling a server motor (7), - rechargeable (10) battery cells (6) for powering, - means for removably attaching the window wiper unit (27) to a window (24). These means for attaching the window wiper (27) comprise - a vacuum pad (1) being attached to the wiper housing (4) and a vacuum pump (3) providing a vacuum in a pad vacuum cavity (32) to secure the wiper housing (4) to the window (24) and - a permanent magnet (12) being fixed with the wiper housing (4) and on the other side of the surface (24) a counter-magnet unit (28) containing a counter magnet (14), resulting in both magnets getting attracted to each other towards the window (24).