Universal Wiper Connector Assembly for Stable Beam Blade Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aftermarket wiper blades face challenges with lateral stability and wrapping issues due to varying windshield curvatures, and there is a need for universal connectors to accommodate different wiper arm types.
Innovation Solution
A wiper blade connector assembly with a design featuring a pair of side walls, a connector channel, and a rivet cutout, along with a hook end stop, to securely connect wiper blades to wiper arms, including a pivotable cover and adapter for compatibility with various arm types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If beam blades are used to achieve a lower profile and more uniform distribution, then the wiper blade can better adapt to various windshield shapes, but the blade lacks lateral stability and experiences wrapping issues when curvature is too sharp
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade is divided into multiple articulated segments that can independently adjust their curvature. This segmentation allows the blade to conform to various windshield shapes while maintaining lateral stability through the structured articulation points that prevent excessive wrapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade incorporates dynamic articulation joints that allow controlled movement and adjustment of each segment's angle. This dynamic capability enables the blade to adapt to different windshield curvatures while the structured joint design prevents uncontrolled wrapping, resolving the stability issue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If universal connectors are designed to accommodate various wiper arm types, then compatibility across different vehicles is improved, but the connector design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple wiper arm types through a standardized mounting mechanism. This multi-functional design allows the same connector to work with hook-style, J-hook, and traditional wiper arms without requiring different connector designs, thus avoiding increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
An adapter interface is introduced as an intermediary component between the connector and various wiper arm types. This mediator allows the main connector design to remain simple while the adapter handles the variability of different arm types, effectively decoupling the complexity from the main connector.
3Reliability
If the connector design includes specific features like rivet cutouts and hook end stops, then connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates tolerance compensation through deliberate parameter variations in the rivet cutout and hook end stop dimensions. By designing these features with built-in tolerance ranges rather than tight tolerances, the connection reliability is maintained while reducing the manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The rivet cutout and hook end stop are designed with pre-built clearance and tolerance buffers that accommodate manufacturing variations. This beforehand cushioning ensures reliable connection even when dimensional precision varies within acceptable ranges, preventing connection failures due to minor manufacturing deviations.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a windshield wiper assembly may include a support structure, a wiper blade connector assembly for connecting the support structure with a wiper arm of a vehicle, a wiper blade cover fittable over the wiper blade connector assembly, and a wiper blade strip secured to the underside of the support structure. The connector assembly may include a wiper blade connector, a wiper blade connector cover connected to the wiper blade connector and pivotable between an open position and a closed position, and a wiper blade connector adapter securable between the wiper blade connector and the wiper blade connector cover. The various embodiments of a wiper blade connector assembly permit the embodiments of the wiper blade assembly to be connected with a plurality of wiper arm types.