Segmented Connector for Windshield Wiper Pivot Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield wiper systems face issues with significant friction and material usage challenges in the pivot connection between the wiper blade and the drive arm, leading to molding difficulties and inefficient articulation.
Innovation Solution
A connector and adapter assembly with projecting shapes distributed around the axis of rotation, allowing rotational movement and reducing friction, while minimizing material usage, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly, and enabling the wiper blade to be replaced when worn.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pin of circular section is used for pivot connection, then the connector can be mounted removably on the arm, but significant friction occurs and material usage increases causing molding difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot connection is segmented into multiple discrete contact zones around the axis of rotation rather than a continuous circular contact. The connector has a body with multiple pins or protrusions that engage with corresponding features in the adapter, creating separate articulation points distributed angularly around the rotation axis. This segmentation reduces the total contact area and distributes wear, thereby reducing friction while maintaining removable mounting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by creating specific localized contact zones at discrete angular positions around the pivot axis rather than uniform continuous contact. Each pin or protrusion creates a localized articulation point with controlled friction characteristics. The adapter contains corresponding recesses or guide surfaces at matching angular positions, creating optimized local contact areas that minimize overall friction while providing sufficient guidance for rotational movement.
2Ease of operation
If a pin of circular section is used for pivot connection, then the connector can be mounted removably on the arm, but material usage increases causing molding difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot connection structure is segmented into multiple discrete pins or protrusions distributed around the connector body rather than a single large circular pin. This segmentation reduces the total volume of material required for the pivot connection components. The adapter similarly uses discrete recesses or guide features instead of a large continuous circular opening, reducing material usage and simplifying molding operations for both parts.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If discrete angular zones are used for rotational guidance, then friction is reduced and material usage is minimized, but the complexity of the connector and adapter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into the connector and adapter bodies. The pins or protrusions serve both as rotational guidance features and as structural reinforcement elements. The adapter's recesses or guide surfaces simultaneously provide rotational guidance and positioning functions. This merging reduces the need for separate components, offsetting the added complexity of the discrete angular zone configuration with functional integration.
Data Source
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Figure 5~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector for a windshield wiper blade, particularly for a motor vehicle, said connector (10) being configured to allow articulation of said blade relative to a drive arm of said blade, according to a rotational movement about an axis of rotation Y. According to the invention, said connector (10) comprises one or more protruding forms (50), configured to be guided in rotation by an adapter of said blade on said arm in different angularly distant zones around said axis of rotation Y, so as to allow said rotational movement.