Universal Windscreen Wiper Adapter With Elastic Snap-Fit

Solution Overview

Problem

Current windscreen wiper adapter systems require multiple varieties to accommodate different types of windscreen wiper arms, leading to impracticality and economic inefficiencies due to the need for numerous adapter types matching specific terminal pieces.

Innovation Solution

A universal adapter design featuring a 'U'-section with double-walled flanks and protuberances that allow for secure mounting on various windscreen wiper arms, including those with U-shaped, rod, and side-lock configurations, utilizing elastic snap-fitting mechanisms for versatility and robustness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple varieties of adapters are produced to match different terminal pieces, then compatibility with various windscreen wiper arms is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various windscreen wiper armsVSAvoidnumber of adapter varieties

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter body is designed with a standardized interface that can accommodate multiple types of terminal pieces through the connection member, allowing a single adapter design to serve multiple functions and match different windscreen wiper arm configurations without requiring multiple adapter varieties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A connection member is introduced as an intermediary element between the terminal piece and the adapter body. This connection member can be configured in different ways to match various terminal piece types, while the adapter body remains standardized, thus mediating between the fixed adapter design and the variable terminal piece requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple varieties of adapters are produced to match different terminal pieces, then compatibility with various windstock wiper arms is improved, but manufacturing economy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various windscreen wiper armsVSAvoidmanufacturing economy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter body is designed with a standardized interface that can accommodate multiple types of terminal pieces through the connection member, allowing a single adapter design to serve multiple functions and match different windscreen wiper arm configurations without requiring multiple adapter varieties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter system is divided into two segments: a standardized adapter body that remains constant, and a variable connection member that can be configured differently. This segmentation allows the majority of the adapter (the body) to be manufactured once in large quantities, improving manufacturing economy while still providing compatibility through the variable connection member

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a universal adapter design is used to match multiple terminal pieces, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to specific terminal piece variations may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of adapter varietiesVSAvoidcompatibility with specific terminal piece variations

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A connection member is introduced as an intermediary element between the terminal piece and the adapter body. This connection member can be configured in different ways to match various terminal piece types, while the adapter body remains standardized, thus mediating between the fixed adapter design and the variable terminal piece requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 universal adapter provides a secure, robust connection to multiple types of windscreen wiper arms, enhancing assembly firmness and reducing manufacturing material requirements, while allowing for efficient production through injection-molding techniques.

Implementation Method 1

The adapter generally comprises an actuation button engaged by elastic snap-fitting in a hole or a notch in the terminal piece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic snap-fitting: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11345318B2Adapter for connecting a windscreen wiper blade to a driving arm

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS

AI summary

Adapter (26, 26′) for connecting a windscreen wiper blade (12) to a driving arm (14), the adapter (26, 26′) having a ‘U’-section formed by a base and two flanks (42a, 42b) delimiting a housing (45) in which:at least one (42a) of the flanks is formed by at least two walls (42aa, 42bb) separated from one another by at least one cavity (63, 64), andat least one protuberance (60) is connected to at least one of the walls (42aa, 42ab, 42ba, 42bb) and extends at least in part inside said housing (45).