Universal Wiper Connector Single-Piece Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen wiper devices often require multiple interchangeable parts to attach to different styles of wiper arms, increasing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece connecting assembly with a U-shaped main body and hinged nose portion, featuring a resilient tongue and locking lugs, allows secure attachment to a wide range of wiper arm styles without the need for interchangeable parts, using a single integral piece design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interchangeable parts are used to attach to different styles of wiper arms, then adaptability to various wiper arm styles is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is designed as a universal single-piece structure that can attach to multiple wiper arm styles (hook-style, bayonet-style, pin-style, and rock lock-style) without requiring interchangeable parts. The integrated design incorporates multiple engagement features within one piece, allowing one connector to serve multiple functions across different wiper arm types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interchangeable parts are used to attach to different styles of wiper arms, then adaptability to various wiper arm styles is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple separate connector parts into a single integrated piece. Instead of manufacturing and inventorying multiple interchangeable parts for different wiper arm styles, the single-piece connector combines all necessary engagement features (hook engagement, bayonet engagement, pin reception, and rock lock engagement) into one manufacturable component, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Ease of operation
If interchangeable parts are used in the connector assembly, then ease of attachment to different wiper arms is improved, but the number of parts that must be in order increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single-piece connector assembly is designed to universally attach to four different wiper arm styles through integrated features: a front engagement feature for hook-style arms, a resilient tongue for bayonet-style arms, a pin reception feature for pin-style arms, and a rear engagement feature for rock lock-style arms. This eliminates the need for multiple interchangeable parts while maintaining ease of attachment.
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 cost-effective production by allowing the same components to be used across various wiper arm styles, simplifying manufacturing and reducing part complexity while maintaining secure attachment and detachment.
Implementation Method 1
The nose portion is hingedly connected with the front end of the main body portion at a resilient hinge
Implementation Method 2
A resilient tongue is formed into the top and has a button which protrudes upwardly therefrom for engaging within an opening of a bayonet-style wiper arm
Implementation Method 3
The nose portion includes a pair of locking tangs that are spaced vertically from the resilient hinge for lockingly engaging a front edge of at least one style of a top lock-style wiper arm
Data Source
AI summary
The wiper device includes a connecting assembly with a base and a joint part. The joint part is made as one integral piece and includes a main body portion and a nose portion. The main body portion is generally extends longitudinally from a front end to a back end and has a top and a pair of sides. A resilient tongue is formed into the top and has a button. The nose portion is connected with the front end of the main body portion at a resilient hinge and includes a pair of locking tangs that are spaced vertically from the resilient hinge. A pair of locking lugs extend from the back end of the main body portion opposite of the nose portion. The sides of the main body portion present a pair of ledges which are spaced vertically from one another to present a groove between said ledges.