Electromechanical Wiper Blade Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wiper blade and drive arm assemblies lack a secure locking mechanism to prevent theft and ensure assembly/disassembly efficiency, particularly requiring a system that can lock/unlock based on driver presence and vehicle ignition status.
Innovation Solution
A reversible locking device using electrical means to move a locking element between unlocking and locking positions, utilizing components like electromagnets, pistons, leaf springs, toothed shafts, and bimetallic strips to secure the wiper blade to the drive arm, allowing mechanical linkage and preventing degrees of freedom between the two components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent theft and ensure security, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with an electromechanical actuator that uses electrical signals from the vehicle's ignition and presence detection systems to control a simple locking element. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining security functionality through electronic control integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: theft prevention, assembly security, and integration with the vehicle's existing ignition and driver presence detection systems. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive security and control capabilities within a single integrated system.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the assembly, then security is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is pre-positioned within the connector structure, and the locking action is automatically initiated when the connector is inserted into the adapter. The electromechanical actuator receives signals from the vehicle's ignition and presence detection systems to automatically engage or disengage the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for manual locking operations and keeping assembly time under one minute.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on vehicle ignition status and driver presence detection, without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the locking state according to predetermined conditions, reducing assembly time while maintaining security when needed.
3Ease of operation
If electrical means are used to actuate the locking element, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical actuator is activated only periodically when the vehicle ignition is on and the driver presence is detected, rather than remaining continuously active. This periodic operation significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation, as the system automatically transitions between locked and unlocked states based on vehicle operational conditions.
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
Enables secure locking and unlocking of the wiper blade to the drive arm, enhancing security and ease of assembly/disassembly while integrating with vehicle ignition and driver presence detection systems.
Implementation Method 1
Said piston may be the core of an electromagnet, said core being movable in translation under the effect of the magnetic field produced by the electromagnet.
Implementation Method 2
In a second embodiment, said at least one locking element comprises a bimetallic strip. The bimetallic strip can be deformable under the effect of a temperature variation
Implementation Method 3
The locking is carried out by means of magnetization integral with the arm or the blade and cooperating with means capable of being magnetized
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~5B
Figure 6A~7B
AI summary
A device for locking a wiper blade (10) to a drive arm (12), characterised in that it comprises electrical means (4) capable of driving a reversible movement of at least one locking element (5) secured to the arm (12) or to the blade (10), said at least one locking element (5) moving relative to the arm (12) or to the blade (10) to which it is secured, between an unlocked position, in which said at least one locking element (5) is secured to the arm (12) or to the blade (10) only, and a locked position, in which said at least one element (5) is secured to the arm (12) and to the blade (10).