Universal Wiper Connector Kit with Multi-Channel Receiving Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumers face difficulties in identifying and attaching the correct windshield wiper blade connectors to their wiper arms, as existing solutions often provide multiple, easily lost connectors that may not be compatible with their specific wiper arm types.

Innovation Solution

A kit containing a set of connectors with different structures to accommodate various wiper arm classes, including pivotable receiving elements with channels and slots, ensures easy identification and secure attachment of wiper blades to multiple wiper arm types, with each connector designed for specific classes of wiper arms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connectors are supplied in separate packages or with the wiper blade, then compatibility with different wiper arm types is improved, but ease of identification and operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different wiper arm typesVSAvoidease of identification and attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two main segments: a receiving element with multiple channels for different wiper arm types, and a locking element that secures the wiper blade. This segmentation allows the receiving element to accommodate multiple wiper arm configurations while keeping the overall connector simple to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving element is designed with multiple channels (first channel, second channel, third channel) that can accommodate different types of wiper arms within a single connector structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate connectors while maintaining compatibility with various wiper arm types.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connectors are supplied as multiple pieces, then adaptability to different wiper arm types is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to ease of loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different wiper arm typesVSAvoidconnector retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving element and locking element are combined into a single integrated connector assembly. This merging ensures that all necessary components remain together as one unit, preventing loss while maintaining the ability to accommodate multiple wiper arm types through the receiving element's multiple channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single connector structure is used for multiple wiper arm types, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector structure complexityVSAvoidcompatibility with different wiper arm types
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving element incorporates multiple channels (first channel extending along longitudinal axis, second channel parallel to first channel, third channel) within a single structure. This allows one connector to accommodate different wiper arm types without increasing overall device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The connector utilizes the longitudinal axis dimension to create multiple parallel channels, allowing different wiper arm types to be accommodated along the length of the receiving element rather than requiring complex multi-directional structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10118596B2Connectors and connector kit for attachment of a windshield wiper blade to multiple types of windshield wiper arms
Publication Date: 2018.11.06 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • US10118596B2 patent drawing
  • US10118596B2 patent drawing
  • US10118596B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A kit for connecting a wiper blade and multiple types of wiper arms, the kit including a container and a set of connectors located within an interior of the container. The set of connectors includes a first connector having a structure to receive and be connected to at least two different wiper arms that are part of a first class of wiper arms. The set of connectors includes a second connector having a structure to receive and be connected to at least two different wiper arms that are part of a second class of wiper arms. The set of connectors includes a third connector having a structure to receive and be connected to at least two different wiper arms that are part of a third class of wiper arms, wherein the first class, the second class and the third class are different from one another.