Universal Wiper Blade Connector for Single and Double Tongue Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield wiper blade connectors require multiple configurations to accommodate different wiper arm types, leading to complexity and increased costs in the replacement market, as installation processes for single and double tongue wiper arms are cumbersome and require awkward angles.
Innovation Solution
A wiper blade connector with an elongate body member featuring a first and second tongue receiving opening, a cap for securing the wiper arm tongue, and a rotatable door mechanism for easy attachment to both single and double tongue wiper arms, allowing for snap-fit attachment and pivoting of the wiper blade during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wiper blade connector configurations are used to accommodate different wiper arm types, then compatibility with various wiper arms is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade connector is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple wiper arm types (single tongue and double tongue configurations) through a single standardized interface. The connector body includes multiple receiving openings and positioning features that adapt to different arm configurations without requiring different connector types, thereby achieving multi-functionality and reducing the number of configurations needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wiper blade connector configurations are used to accommodate different wiper arm types, then compatibility with various wiper arms is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design uses a single standardized configuration that serves multiple wiper arm types, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple different connector variants. This universal design approach reduces tooling costs, simplifies production processes, and lowers inventory requirements while maintaining compatibility across different arm configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector integrates multiple adaptation features into a single unified structure, combining what would traditionally require separate connector types into one consolidated design. This merging of functions into a single component reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining versatility.
3Reliability
If traditional wiper blade attachment processes are used for single and double tongue wiper arms, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation difficulty and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates pre-positioned receiving openings, positioning ribs, and alignment features that guide the wiper arm into the correct position during installation. These preliminary structural preparations eliminate the need for complex manual alignment and rotation steps, allowing users to simply insert and secure the arm without difficult positioning maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment process is divided into simple sequential steps through the connector's modular feature set: insertion of the arm into the receiving opening, engagement of positioning ribs, and securing via the cap mechanism. This segmentation of the attachment function into discrete, manageable steps reduces installation complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
4Reliability
If traditional wiper blade attachment processes are used, then secure locking is achieved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector features pre-configured receiving openings and positioning elements that are ready to engage the wiper arm immediately upon insertion. The cap mechanism is pre-positioned to secure the arm in a single motion, eliminating the need for multiple adjustment steps and reducing installation time while ensuring secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the installation process to skip complex alignment and positioning steps by incorporating built-in guidance features and self-aligning elements. The arm can be quickly inserted and secured in one continuous motion, rushing through what would traditionally be a multi-step process while maintaining secure attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper blade connector releasably secures a wiper blade to a wiper arm, thereby forming a windshield wiper blade assembly. The wiper blade connector comprises an elongate body member having opposite facing side walls, a front end, and a rear end. The opposite facing sidewalls include means for receiving and releasably securing to the mounting base on a wiper blade. At the front end of the elongate body member, a first tongue receiving opening is sized to receive the corresponding front tongue of a wiper arm. At the rear end of the elongate body member, a second tongue receiving opening is sized to receive the corresponding rear tongue of a wiper arm. A locking mechanism, such as a slidable cap provided proximate to the front end of the elongate body member, releasably locks the wiper blade member to the wiper arm.