Symmetrical Connector for Windscreen Wiper Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for windscreen wiper blades and arms are asymmetrical, requiring separate production, storage, and mounting, making them costly and difficult to install and remove without specialized tools.
Innovation Solution
A symmetrical connector element with a deformable tongue and wedge-shaped tooth allows easy assembly and disassembly on both right-hand and left-hand arms, eliminating the need for manual lifting and enabling use by non-specialized users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If asymmetrical connectors are used for right-hand and left-hand arms, then the connection function is achieved, but the production complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in reverse - by designing a symmetrical connector body that can accommodate both right-hand and left-hand asymmetrical arms through the same engagement mechanism, eliminating the need for separate connector variants while maintaining full compatibility with different arm types
2Reliability
If resilient projection connectors are used for engagement, then the connection is secure, but the disengagement operation becomes difficult and requires auxiliary tools
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring forceful manipulation to disengage the resilient projection, the patent inverts the approach by designing the tongue to be manually liftable, which automatically triggers the resilient projection to retract and release from the seat, making disengagement easy without tools while maintaining secure connection during normal use
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of connectors are produced for different arm configurations, then the specific connection requirements are met, but the storage facilities and final cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal connector design where a single connector type can be used with both right-hand and left-hand asymmetrical arms, as well as with symmetrical arms, thereby reducing the number of different connector variants needed and minimizing storage requirements while maintaining specific compatibility with each arm type
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 connector element simplifies the connection and disconnection process, reducing production and storage costs while allowing easy handling by any user, and is suitable for both Top-Lock and Slim-Top arms.
Implementation Method 1
The tongue 23 has at its rear free end 23a a tooth 24 extending towards the body 10; preferably during conditions of non-use the tooth 24 is inserted inside an underlying open seat 16 of the body 10
Implementation Method 2
A symmetrical connector element with a deformable tongue and wedge-shaped tooth allows easy assembly and disassembly on both right-hand and left-hand arms
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
Connector element for Top-Lock and/or Slim-Top operating arms (1,1a,1b) of windscreen wiper blades, comprising: - a substantially parallelepiped body (10), the front end (10a) of which is connected to a surface (20) which extends from the bottom base (10b) of the parallelepiped body to a height such that its top free end forms a vertical step (24) with respect to the upper surface (10c) of the parallelepiped body (10) wherein said free end is prolonged in the longitudinal direction (X-X) by a tongue (23) extending in the longitudinal direction over a length substantially corresponding to that of the parallelepiped body (10), an empty space (18) of predefined length in the longitudinal direction being formed between the tongue (23) and the upper surface (10c) of the parallel body (10), the tongue (23) has at its free end (23a) a tooth (24) extending towards the body (10) and suitable for engagement with a corresponding seat (1a) of the operating arm for relative locking once joined together.