Segmented Wiper Blade Carrier for Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blade designs compromise on flexibility and protection due to the structural limitations of support elements and connection mechanisms, which affect the wiper's resilience and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular carrier design with intermediate pieces and articulated connection elements allows for distributed force transmission and enhanced dimensional stability, using a two-material extrusion process for the wiper strip and ultrasonic welding for secure attachment, ensuring excellent lateral guidance and resilience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a single-piece carrier design is used to protect support elements, then protection is improved, but weight and flexibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is divided into multiple segments (first carrier part, second carrier part, intermediate piece) that can be assembled separately and connected together. This segmentation allows the carrier to protect support elements effectively while using less material, reducing overall weight and improving flexibility compared to a single-piece design.
2Strength
If a rigid connection element is used for articulated connection, then connection strength is improved, but resilience of wiper strip is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is separated from the main carrier body and connected via articulated joints. This segmentation allows the connection element to provide strong attachment while the articulated joints preserve the flexibility and resilience of the wiper strip, preventing rigid constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated connection element provides dynamic, movable joints rather than rigid fixed connections. This allows the wiper strip to maintain its natural resilience and movement capability while still achieving secure connection to the carrier structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If support elements extend beyond carrier boundaries, then ease of assembly is improved, but structural stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are pre-formed with specific geometries (curved spring rails, L-shaped support rails) that enable snap-fit or interlocking assembly with the carrier segments. This preliminary shaping allows easy assembly while the intermediate piece provides structural closure to maintain stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are nested within or alongside the carrier segments, with the intermediate piece acting as a closing element that secures the support elements in position. This nesting arrangement provides both easy assembly through straightforward insertion and structural stability through proper containment.
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 lightweight, flexible wiper blade with improved force distribution and reduced friction, maintaining optimal protection and resilience during operation.
Implementation Method 1
The support elements can be spring rods with round cross sections or spring rails with rectangular cross sections
Implementation Method 2
The end caps are mounted and attached to the supporting elements by welding or gluing, in particular ultrasonic welding
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wiper blade (10) having a support composed of a plurality of support components (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) that are joined to one another by welding, gluing, or the like and have at least one longitudinal channel (34) incorporating a pre-curved elastic support element (36) and two parallel retaining rails (28) separated by a longitudinal gap (32), for a wiper strip (38), wherein a connecting element (50) is arranged in the center region of the wiper blade (10) for the articulated connection to a wiper arm. It is proposed that at least two support elements in the form of spring bars (36) having a round cross-section are provided in corresponding separate longitudinal channels (34), between which the retaining rails (28) are arranged.