Universal Side Hook Wiper Adapter Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield wiper adapters are limited in their compatibility with different types of windshield wiper arms, particularly those with side hook designs, as they are often specific to particular wiper arm configurations, restricting versatility.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with a hooking portion, an attaching portion, and a connecting portion positioned in a side-by-side and parallel configuration, allowing it to receive and attach to various windshield wiper arms, including 9×3 and 9×4 hooks, and featuring locks and lock releases for secure engagement and easy detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing adapters are designed for specific wiper arm configurations, then secure attachment is achieved, but compatibility with different wiper arm types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with a universal hooking portion that can accommodate multiple wiper arm configurations (9x3 hooks, 9x4 hooks, and other side hook designs). The hooking portion includes a receiving space with opening and closing ends, and lateral walls that can engage with different hook types, allowing a single adapter design to work with various wiper arms without requiring multiple specialized adapters
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is divided into distinct functional portions: a hooking portion for engaging the wiper arm hook, a connecting portion for structural support, and an attaching portion for securing the wiper blade. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compatibility across different wiper arm types
2Adaptability or versatility
If a universal adapter design is created to fit multiple wiper arm types, then compatibility is improved, but secure attachment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hooking portion features latera} walls with specific geometric configurations that provide different engagement characteristics for different hook types. The receiving space is designed with specific dimensions and features that adapt to accommodate various hook sizes and shapes while maintaining secure engagement through localized structural features tailored to each engagement point
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates a lockable mechanism that can dynamically adjust to secure the wiper arm hook in different positions within the receiving space. The lockable feature allows the adapter to transition from an open state during installation to a locked state for secure operation, ensuring reliable attachment regardless of the specific wiper arm type
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for a windshield wiper assembly is provided. The adapter includes a hooking portion adapted to selectively receive a left hand drive hook or a right hand drive hook of a wiper arm, the hooking portion including a body formed of side plates that are parallel to each other and a connector extending between the side plates such that the side plates extend above and below the connector, the connector extending parallel to the side plates, an attaching portion adapted to be connected to a wiper and a connection portion attached to the hooking portion and the attaching portion at opposite ends. The hooking portion and the attaching portion are positioned in a side-by-side configuration and are parallel to each other. The hooking portion is symmetrical about a central portion so to be capable of selectively receiving the left hand drive hook or the right hand drive hook of the wiper arm.