Streamlined Flat Windscreen Wiper Aerodynamic Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen wiper technologies face challenges in optimizing aerodynamics and securing the wiper blade uniformly across the window surface, particularly in terms of space requirements and manufacturing tolerances, while maintaining effective water removal and ease of assembly.
Innovation Solution
A streamlined flat windscreen wiper design featuring a curving stiffening member and a central mounting system with protruding stops and aerodynamic baffles, which includes a terminal cap and end piece configuration to ensure secure attachment and improved aerodynamics, allowing for angular displacement and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a streamlined portion is added to a flat wiper to optimize aerodynamics, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The streamlined portion is integrated directly into the flat wiper blade structure, merging the aerodynamic function with the existing wiper body rather than adding a separate component. This reduces overall device complexity while achieving aerodynamic optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The streamlined portion incorporates curved and rounded contours instead of sharp edges, creating aerodynamic shapes that reduce drag. The curvature allows air to flow smoothly over the wiper surface, minimizing turbulence and improving aerodynamic performance.
2Reliability
If protruding stops are added to limit terminal cap displacement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding stops are integrated into the end piece structure itself, allowing the component to self-limit its own displacement without requiring external restraining mechanisms. The stops engage with corresponding features on the terminal cap to automatically maintain proper positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The end piece serves multiple functions: it houses the stiffening member, provides structural support, and incorporates protruding stops for positioning the terminal cap. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while improving reliability.
3Force
If a curving stiffening member is used to spread load over the wiper length, then wiper performance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening member transitions from a straight configuration to a curving configuration, changing its geometric parameters to optimize load distribution. The curvature allows the member to flex and adapt to the wiper blade's natural arc, spreading forces more evenly across the entire wiper length.
Solution Approach 2:
The curving stiffening member is designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing it to dynamically adjust its shape under varying loads and operating conditions. This dynamic capability enables the member to maintain optimal load distribution across different wiper positions and pressures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an articulated connector with transverse pin is used to attach the wiper to the drive arm, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate components: an articulated connector portion and a terminal cap, joined by a transverse pin. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled through a simple pinning operation, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A streamlined flat windscreen wiper for a vehicle is disclosed. The flat wiper includes a longitudinal wiper blade, at least one longitudinal stiffening member, a longitudinal member for retaining the wiper blade and the stiffening member, a longitudinal streamlined portion including two terminal caps and a central mounting extending between the terminal caps and being connected thereto. The mounting includes means for fixing to the stiffening member or to the member for retaining the stiffening member, and each cap includes means for guiding in translation terminal parts of the member.