Universal Windscreen Wiper Connecting Unit for Multi-Arm Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing windscreen wiper devices face challenges in providing a reliable and secure connection between the wiper blade and oscillating arm without using complex machinery or additional tools, limiting cost-effectiveness and versatility.

Innovation Solution

A universal connecting unit comprising a connecting device and joint part with co-axial through holes, L-shaped shoulders, and resilient tongues allows for secure interconnection with different types of oscillating arms, enabling a 'sidelock', 'bayonet', and 'toplock' connection, facilitating the use of non-original wiper blades with original oscillating arms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a universal connecting unit with multiple connection types is implemented, then versatility and compatibility are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The joint part is designed as a universal connecting unit that can accommodate multiple types of oscillating arms through different connection mechanisms (sidelock, bayonet, toplock). The joint part includes a recess for receiving the oscillating arm, co-axial through holes for pivot pins, and a resilient tongue for bayonet connections, allowing one component to serve multiple functions and connect with various arm types without requiring separate connecting devices for each type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If complex machinery and additional tools are used for connection, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is designed to be self-assembling without requiring complex machinery or additional tools. The resilient tongue automatically engages with the oscillating arm through a snap-fit mechanism, and the co-axial through holes align with pivot pins for direct insertion. The design allows the components to connect to each other through their own structural features, eliminating the need for external fastening tools or complex assembly equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If original equipment manufacturer parts are required, then connection reliability is improved, but cost and availability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidavailability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The joint part is designed as a universal connecting unit that can accommodate multiple types of oscillating arms through different connection mechanisms (sidelock, bayonet, toplock). The joint part includes a recess for receiving the oscillating arm, co-axial through holes for pivot pins, and a resilient tongue for bayonet connections, allowing one component to serve multiple functions and connect with various arm types without requiring separate connecting devices for each type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution provides a cost-effective, reliable, and versatile connection system that allows for universal compatibility between wiper blades and oscillating arms, enabling the use of affordable wiper blades with various arm types, enhancing user convenience and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Implementation Method 1

said joint part comprises at least one resilient tongue arranged to engage into a correspondingly shaped hole provided in a base of a U-shaped cross-section of an oscillating arm of a second type

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

said oscillating arm can be pivotally connected to said connecting device about a pivot axis near a free end of said oscillating arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3169566B1Windscreen wiper device
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 FEDERAL MOGUL SA
  • EP3169566B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3169566B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3169566B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A windscreen wiper device comprising a connecting device (1) for an oscillating arm, wherein said oscillating arm can be pivotally connected to said connecting device (1) about a pivot axis near a free end of said oscillating arm, with the interposition of a joint part (2), wherein said joint part (2) is detachably connected to said connecting device (1) by engaging protrusions (10, 11) of said connecting device (1), at the location of said pivot axis (10, 11), in recesses (12, 13) provided in said joint part (2), wherein said connecting device (1) and said joint part (2) are arranged to enable its connection to an oscillating arm of at least three types.