Universal Wiper Connector with See-Saw Button
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aftermarket windscreen wiper devices face challenges in attaching and detaching securely from various types of oscillating arms, requiring multiple designs and increasing manufacturing and packaging costs.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a pivotable joint part and button configuration that can securely attach and detach from both 17 mm and 19 mm bayonet-style oscillating wiper arms without adapters, using a single, injection molded plastic piece with spring fingers and a see-saw button mechanism for easy and intuitive attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connector designs are used to accommodate different oscillating arm types, then compatibility with various oscillating arms is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The joint part is designed as a universal connector that can accommodate multiple types of oscillating arms (17mm and 19mm bayonet-style arms) through a single design. The see-saw button mechanism with two buttons allows the same connector to securely attach to different arm types by engaging with different button configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connectors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connector designs are used to accommodate different oscillating arm types, then compatibility with various oscillating arms is improved, but packaging costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a single universal joint part design that works with both 17mm and 19mm oscillating arms, the manufacturer reduces packaging requirements from multiple specialized packages to a single package type, thereby reducing packaging material costs and simplifying inventory management.
3Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is used, then reliability of connection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic see-saw button mechanism where two buttons are connected through a pivot point, allowing them to move in opposite directions. When one button is pressed, the other rises, enabling secure attachment through a snapping action while maintaining ease of operation. The buttons can be easily pressed to engage or disengage from the oscillating arm slots.
4Ease of manufacture
If a monolithic injection molded design is used, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but adaptability to different oscillating arms may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic injection molded joint part achieves universality through its integrated see-saw button mechanism and geometric features that accommodate both 17mm and 19mm bayonet-style oscillating arms. The single-piece construction reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while the clever design of the button mechanism and engagement features ensures compatibility with multiple arm types.
Solution Approach 2:
Within the monolithic structure, the connector is functionally segmented into distinct zones: the two buttons for engagement, the pivot point for mechanical advantage, and the geometric features for accommodating different arm types. This functional segmentation within a single piece allows adaptability without requiring multiple separate components.
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
Enables secure attachment and detachment of windscreen wiper devices to different oscillating arms, reducing manufacturing and packaging costs through economies of scale and simplifying the user experience, while maintaining reliability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The joint part also includes spring fingers that protrude outwardly from the side walls
Implementation Method 2
The first button is disposed on a first lever which is connected with the pin and the second button is disposed on a second lever which is also connected with the pin
Data Source
AI summary
The windscreen wiper device includes a wiper element and a carrier element. The windscreen wiper device also includes a connecting device which has a base and a joint part. The joint part has a top wall that extends in a lateral direction between a pair of side walls. The joint part also includes a button configuration for lockingly attaching the connecting device with at least two different types of oscillating wiper arms. The button configuration includes a first button and a second button. The button configuration also includes a pin that is spaced below the top wall and that extends in the lateral direction between the side walls. The first button is attached with the pin on one longitudinal side of the pin, and the second button is attached with the pin on an opposite longitudinal side of the pin.