Universal Windscreen Wiper Adapter for Multi-Arm Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current windshield wiper connection systems require multiple adapter varieties to match different drive arm end pieces, leading to impracticality and economic inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A universal adapter with a body configured to selectively attach to multiple drive arm end pieces, featuring adjustable bearing surfaces and locking mechanisms to accommodate various end piece dimensions and orientations, allowing for flexible mounting on U-shaped ends or arms with different widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapter varieties are used to match different drive arm end pieces, then compatibility with various end piece dimensions and orientations is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter body is designed with a single universal structure that can accommodate multiple drive arm end piece varieties through adjustable bearing surfaces and selective locking means, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapter varieties while maintaining compatibility across different end piece dimensions and orientations
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates adjustable bearing surfaces that can be selectively positioned along the longitudinal axis to match different end piece widths, and locking means that can be selectively engaged to secure the adapter to various end piece orientations, providing dynamic adaptability without requiring multiple fixed adapter designs
2Reliability
If multiple adapter varieties are used to match different drive arm end pieces, then proper fitting and locking to various end pieces is improved, but manufacturing and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed as a universal component with standardized bearing surfaces and locking mechanisms that can reliably fit multiple end piece varieties, reducing manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements while maintaining reliable fitting and locking accuracy across different end piece types
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter uses adjustable bearing surfaces that can be selectively positioned at different locations along the longitudinal axis to match different end piece width parameters, and locking means that can be selectively engaged to accommodate various end piece orientations, providing reliable fitting without requiring multiple specialized adapter designs
3Device complexity
If a universal adapter design is used to accommodate multiple end pieces, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different end piece dimensions may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates adjustable bearing surfaces that can be selectively positioned along the longitudinal axis to match different end piece widths, and locking means that can be selectively engaged to secure the adapter to various end piece orientations, providing dynamic adaptability within a single universal adapter design
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter body is segmented into distinct functional zones including adjustable bearing surfaces at different longitudinal positions and multiple locking means that can be selectively engaged, allowing the single adapter structure to adapt to different end piece dimensions while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
Component (26) for a connection system between a wiper blade and a drive arm of said blade, said component being configured to be selectively attached to end pieces of several arms, such that the component comprises at least a first bearing surface (48a, 48b) and a first locking means (27) configured to cooperate with a first arm, and further comprising at least a second bearing surface (60a) and a second locking means (27') configured to cooperate with a second arm.