Universal Windshield Wiper Connector for Multiple Arm Types

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing windshield wiper connector technologies are costly and complex, failing to provide a universal solution for securing windshield wiper blades to various pin-type wiper arms, including those with different locking mechanisms and spacers, leading to limited aftermarket replacement options and increased inventory costs.

Innovation Solution

A single-piece windshield wiper connector with a peripheral wall and retaining pin apertures that can accommodate multiple pin-type wiper arms with varying pin lengths and locking mechanisms, featuring internal support structures and adjustable shelves to secure the wiper blade, allowing for easy attachment and locking to different wiper arm configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple wiper blade configurations are used to accommodate all existing wiper arms, then compatibility with various wiper arm types is improved, but device complexity and inventory costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various wiper arm typesVSAvoidnumber of different wiper blade configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple wiper arm types (hook-type arms of various sizes, traditional pin arms, and pin-plus-locking arms) through a single standardized design. The connector includes a retaining pin aperture that can receive different pin configurations and a locking tab aperture that adapts to various locking mechanisms, allowing one wiper blade configuration to serve multiple functions across different vehicle types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector acts as an intermediary component between the wiper blade and the diverse wiper arm configurations. By introducing this standardized intermediate element, the patent eliminates the need for multiple specialized wiper blade designs. The connector translates various arm configurations into a unified interface that the wiper blade can consistently engage with.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If specialized wiper blades are designed for specific pin-plus-locking-arm configurations, then secure attachment to that arm type is improved, but adaptability to other arm types decreases and replacement costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment to specific arm typeVSAvoidcompatibility with different wiper arm types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector incorporates multiple apertures and structural features that provide universal compatibility while maintaining secure attachment. The retaining pin aperture can accommodate pins of varying lengths and positions, the locking tab aperture can receive different locking tab configurations, and the overall connector geometry can adapt to various arm types, all within a single standardized design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector design allows for dynamic adaptation to different arm configurations through its geometric features. The aperture sizes and positions are designed to accommodate ranges of dimensions rather than fixed values, allowing the same connector to reliably engage with various pin lengths, locking tab positions, and arm types while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If connectors are designed to accommodate multiple wiper arm types, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate multiple wiper arm typesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed as a universal component with standardized dimensions and features that can be manufactured using conventional molding or fabrication processes. By consolidating multiple accommodation capabilities into a single standardized design rather than creating separate specialized connectors for each arm type, the overall manufacturing complexity is reduced while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector combines multiple functional features (retaining pin reception, locking tab engagement, spacer accommodation) into a single integrated component. This merging of functions into one standardized part simplifies the manufacturing process compared to producing multiple specialized connectors, as it allows for economies of scale and streamlined production tooling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9381893B2Windshield wiper connector

Publication Date: 2016.07.05 PGI NORTHSTAR LLC

AI summary

A connector for a windshield wiper, and a wiper blade assembly including same, that accommodates multiple pin-type windshield wiper arms having varying pin lengths and locking mechanisms. The connector for connecting a windshield wiper assembly to a wiper arm may have a peripheral wall having at least two opposing peripheral side walls and a top surface extending from one of the two opposing peripheral side walls to the other. The opposing peripheral side walls may each have a retaining pin aperture aligned with one another and sized to be capable of slidably accepting a retaining pin of at least one pin-type windshield wiper arm.