Segmented Wiper Blade Frame for Curvature Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wiper blades face issues with lateral stability, wrapping, and banding problems, particularly when used as aftermarket blades on various windshields, due to inadequate curvature matching, leading to inconsistent wiping performance.
Innovation Solution
A novel wiper blade design featuring a primary frame with a connection device for the wiper arm, paired with secondary frames that have pivot structures and leg portions for improved flexibility and curvature adaptation, along with a segmented cover system using soft and hard materials to enhance debris exclusion and force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If beam blade design is used to improve force distribution and lower profile, then wrapping performance improves, but lateral stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade is divided into a primary frame and multiple secondary frames (at least two) that are pivotally connected. This segmentation allows each secondary frame to independently pivot and adapt to windshield curvature while the primary frame maintains overall structural stability, resolving the contradiction between wrapping performance and lateral stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary frames are designed with pivot connections that allow dynamic movement relative to the primary frame. This dynamic capability enables the secondary frames to adjust their position to match windshield curvature (improving wrapping) while the pivot mechanism itself provides lateral stability through controlled movement rather than rigid fixation.
2Shape
If beam blade design is used to achieve lower profile, then aerodynamic performance improves, but adaptability to different windshields deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot connections between the primary frame and secondary frames enable dynamic adjustment of the blade's curvature. This allows the same low-profile beam design to adapt to different windshield curvatures by pivoting the secondary frames into appropriate positions, maintaining both aerodynamic performance and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the frame into primary and secondary components with pivot connections, the blade maintains a low overall profile while the segmented secondary frames can independently adjust their curvature to match different windshields, achieving both aerodynamic efficiency and adaptability.
3Shape
If first generation hybrid wiper blades combine brackets with beam, then wrapping characteristics improve, but banding problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid design is segmented into a primary frame (providing structural support) and multiple secondary frames (providing curvature adaptation). This segmentation allows the wrapping function to be distributed across multiple pivoting components rather than concentrated in a single bracket structure, preventing the banding effect while maintaining good wrapping characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivot connections between primary and secondary frames allow the blade to continuously adjust its curvature during operation. This dynamic adaptation ensures consistent contact with the windshield across the entire wiping surface, preventing banding while maintaining effective wrapping to the windshield edges.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wiper blade is presented having a wiper strip, a primary frame (20), and a pair of secondary frames (30). The primary frame (20) having a connection device (10) capable of connecting the wiper blade to a wiper arm disposed on a top side of the primary frame (20), and a connection structure disposed, on opposite ends of the primary frame (20). The pair of secondary frame (30), each have a central pivot connection portion (31) and two leg portions extending from the central pivot connection portion, a pivot structure disposed on the central pivot connection portion (31) of the secondary frames (30) wherein the pivot structure of the secondary frames (30) are connected to the connection structures on the ends of the primary frame (20). A wiper blade is also presented having a wiper strip, a force distribution structure having opposite ends, and a cover.