Sidelock Wiper Blade Fluid Coupling for Low-Profile Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield wiper devices with integrated water supply are limited by complex assembly processes and visibility issues due to top-lock variants, which hinder easy mounting and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A windshield wiper device featuring a sidelock connection between the wiper blade and arm, with a locking cap that enables simple lateral insertion and pivoting, along with a fluid-carrying system that includes nozzles for optimal fluid distribution and a rotary joint for adjustable fluid direction, ensuring secure and efficient fluid flow and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a top-lock connection is used to connect the wiper blade to the wiper arm, then the fluid supply can be connected, but the assembly process becomes complex and the device is more visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical locking function and the fluid connection function into a single integrated connection port. The fluid coupling is built into the connection port structure, so that when the wiper blade is mechanically locked to the wiper arm, the fluid connections are automatically made simultaneously. This eliminates the need for separate fluid connection steps and reduces overall assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection port serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical attachment between the wiper blade and arm, establishes fluid connections for washer fluid supply, and enables rotational movement. By designing a single component that performs all these functions, the patent simplifies the overall system while maintaining all necessary capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If the wiper blade is positioned higher for top-lock connection, then the fluid supply is accessible, but the device becomes more visible and less aesthetic
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the connection at the top of the wiper blade as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the connection location to the bottom side of the wiper blade. This allows the wiper blade to be mounted lower on the wiper arm, achieving a more aesthetic, low-profile appearance while still providing accessible fluid connections through the integrated connection port.
3Reliability
If a fixed fluid connection is used, then fluid flow is stable, but the system cannot accommodate rotational movement of the wiper arm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a rotary joint within the fluid connection system that allows the connection to dynamically adapt to the rotational movement of the wiper arm. The rotary joint maintains a sealed, reliable fluid connection while permitting the necessary angular movement, combining stability with flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary joint acts as an intermediary component between the fixed fluid supply and the moving wiper blade. It mediates the conflict between maintaining a stable fluid connection and accommodating rotational movement, allowing fluid to flow reliably while the wiper arm rotates through its full range of motion.
4Strength
If the locking cap is used to secure the wiper blade, then the connection is secure, but the fluid connection may be accidentally released
Solution Approach 1:
The locking cap integrates both the mechanical locking function and the fluid connection securing function into a single component. When the locking cap is engaged to secure the wiper blade to the arm, it simultaneously secures the fluid coupling in place. This dual function eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms and ensures that fluid connections cannot be accidentally released without also detaching the wiper blade.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a wiper blade device having a wiper blade with a connection terminal and having a wiper arm with a locking cap and at least one fluid-conducting line, wherein the wiper blade can be connected to the wiper arm at the connection terminal via a sidelock connection and can be locked in a fixed manner by pressing the locking cap against the connection terminal. The connection terminal has wiper fluid nozzles arranged laterally to the wiper blade, said wiper fluid nozzles being fluidically connected to at least one fluid coupling introduced into the connection terminal, and the at least one fluid-conducting line of the wiper arm is connected to the fluid coupling via a fluid plug in order to form a fluid-conducting connection.