Side-Saddle Wiper Coupler Reducing Wind Lift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield wiper assemblies with vertical-mount couplers experience increased wind lift and drag due to their elevated profile, compromising effectiveness and aesthetics, while side-mount wiper assemblies lack lateral stability.
Innovation Solution
A wiper assembly with a side-saddle coupler that includes airfoils and a contoured coupler design to reduce wind lift and enhance downward force, while maintaining lateral stability through a side-saddle attachment mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If vertical-mount coupler is used, then lateral stability is improved, but wind lift and drag increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is repositioned from a vertical-mount configuration to a side-mount configuration, changing the attachment dimension from vertical to lateral. This dimensional shift reduces the vertical profile height, thereby reducing wind lift and drag while maintaining lateral stability through the side-mount attachment geometry.
2Stability of the object's composition
If vertical profile is increased, then lateral stability is improved, but aesthetics and wind lift performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement to a side-mount configuration, redistributing the structural volume horizontally rather than vertically. This reduces the vertical profile height for improved aesthetics and wind lift performance while maintaining adequate lateral stability through the side-attach geometry.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If side-mount coupler is used, then wind lift is reduced, but lateral stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The side-saddle coupler employs an asymmetric geometry with a saddle-shaped engagement surface that interfaces with the wiper arm. This asymmetric design creates a mechanically interlocking relationship where the wiper arm sits in the saddle configuration, providing lateral stability through the asymmetric contact geometry while maintaining the low vertical profile of side-mount attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler incorporates a saddle-shaped engagement surface with specific geometric parameters that optimize both lateral stability and low-profile characteristics. By carefully designing the curvature and dimensions of the saddle surface, the system achieves adequate lateral support while maintaining reduced wind lift performance.
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 wiper assembly effectively reduces wind lift and chatter by maximizing downward force and preventing lateral movement, maintaining efficiency and aesthetics with a lower vertical profile.
Implementation Method 1
first and second airfoils operatively attached to the superstructure between an intermediate position and the longitudinal ends
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper assembly for use in connection with a wiper arm attachment member having a transversely extending pin and bent tab. The wiper assembly includes a wiping element and a superstructure having first and second longitudinal ends. The wiper assembly further includes first and second airfoils attached to the superstructure between an intermediate position and the longitudinal ends. The wiper assembly further includes a coupler attached to the superstructure and disposed between the first and second airfoils. The coupler includes first and second sidewalls, a deck that extends from the first sidewall and a rail that extends from the deck. The deck and rail of the wiper assembly cooperate to define a side-saddle that facilitates low-profile attachment to a wiper arm attachment member for reducing the likelihood of wind lift and lateral movement between the wiper arm attachment member and the wiper assembly.