Resilient Arm Windscreen Wiper Reducing Part Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen wiper devices for vehicles are complex and costly due to numerous shaped parts, requiring sophisticated machinery and tools for manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A windscreen wiper device featuring a resilient, strip-shaped arm made of corrosion-resistant material that is biased to press the wiper blade onto the windshield, reducing parts and using the arm's elasticity to transmit force, allowing for flexibility in length and curvature adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complex shaped parts with dedicated shapes are used in the windscreen wiper arm, then the structural strength and functionality are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid plastic to resilient material, allowing the arm to derive structural strength from elastic deformation rather than complex geometric shapes. The arm's cross-sectional dimensions and material elasticity modulus are optimized to provide sufficient strength while maintaining simplicity in form.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the structural reinforcement only where needed - in the mounting head area and connecting device areas - while the main arm body remains simple and uniform. This localized reinforcement provides necessary strength without requiring complex shaping throughout the entire arm structure.
2Reliability
If multiple dedicated shaped parts are used in the windscreen wiper device, then the functional performance is improved, but the number of parts and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the arm, mounting head, and connecting device into a single integrated resilient component. This consolidation maintains all necessary functions - mounting, force transmission, and connection - while reducing the total part count from multiple separate components to one monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient arm serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the structural support member, the force transmission element from the mounting head to the connecting device, and the biasing spring that maintains contact pressure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated parts for each function.
3Force
If resilient material is used for the arm to exert pressure onto the wiper blade, then the force transmission and contact pressure are improved, but the material selection and manufacturing process become more specialized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects resilient materials with specific elasticity modulus and damping characteristics that balance force transmission capability with manufacturability. The material parameters are chosen from commonly available elastomers or spring steels that can be processed using standard extrusion or forming techniques, avoiding highly specialized materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical spring systems or adjustable force mechanisms with the inherent elastic properties of the resilient material itself. The arm's natural elasticity provides the necessary biasing force, eliminating the need for separate spring components or complex mechanical force transmission systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the arm is made with flexibility in length and curvature, then the adaptability to different windshields is improved, but the structural design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the arm structure dynamically adaptable through its resilient properties, allowing it to bend and conform to different windshield geometries while maintaining contact pressure. The arm can dynamically adjust its curvature and length configuration based on the specific windshield shape, providing universal compatibility without requiring multiple fixed-geometry designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the arm's geometric parameters - including cross-sectional dimensions, wall thickness distribution, and curvature radius - to achieve an optimal balance between flexibility and structural integrity. These parameter optimizations allow the simple arm form to adapt to various windshield shapes while maintaining sufficient strength.
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 results in a cost-effective, lightweight wiper device with fewer parts, reduced wear, and enhanced wiping performance, capable of fitting various vehicle windshields without complex machinery, while maintaining effective contact and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the arm made of a resilient material is biased in order to exert a pressure onto the wiper blade towards the windscreen to be wiped
Data Source
AI summary
A windscreen wiper device, particularly for automobiles, comprises an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade is of the flat blade type and includes at least one groove, in which groove an elastic, elongated carrier element is disposed, wherein the windscreen wiper device further comprises a mounting head for transferring a reciprocal movement to the wiper blade, with the special feature that the windscreen wiper device further comprises a longitudinal strip-shaped arm, wherein the arm near a first end thereof is directly connected to the mounting head and near a second end thereof is directly connected to a connecting device of the wiper blade, and wherein the arm made of a resilient material is biased in order to exert a pressure onto the wiper blade towards the windscreen to be wiped.