Universal Windshield Wiper Connector Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield wiper connectors are expensive and complex, requiring multiple configurations to accommodate various wiper arm types, leading to increased manufacturing costs and inventory complexity.
Innovation Solution
A novel connector design that includes a peripheral wall with opposing side walls, a channel, and a groove capable of engaging different wiper arm styles, such as pin-type, bayonet, and trapezoidal roller arms, allowing for a single-piece, low-cost fabrication that can be reversed for compatibility with multiple arm configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wiper blade configurations are used to accommodate all existing wiper arms, then compatibility with various arm types is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with multiple functional features integrated into a single component: a channel for bayonet-style arms, a groove for trapezoidal roller arms, and retaining pin apertures for pin-type arms. This universal design allows one connector to accommodate multiple wiper arm configurations, eliminating the need for separate connectors for each arm type and thereby reducing device complexity and inventory requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are designed to work with various hook-type wiper arms and pin-type arms, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost and structure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector merges multiple attachment mechanisms into a single integrated component. The channel, groove, and retaining pin apertures are all part of one molded connector body, allowing it to interface with bayonet-style, trapezoidal roller, and pin-type arms respectively. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining compatibility with different arm types.
Solution Approach 2:
The single connector design performs multiple functions by incorporating different geometric features that accommodate various arm types. This universal approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized connectors, reducing both manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single connector design is used for multiple arm types, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the connector must accommodate varying pin lengths and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The connector achieves universality by incorporating multiple attachment mechanisms within a single component. The channel accommodates bayonet-style arms with varying lengths, the groove engages trapezoidal roller arms, and the retaining pin apertures secure pin-type arms with different locking mechanisms. This multi-functional design allows a single connector to handle various arm configurations without requiring multiple specialized parts.
Data Source
AI summary
A windshield wiper connector having a peripheral wall having at least two opposing peripheral side walls, a top surface extending from one of the two opposing peripheral side walls to the other; and a channel formed in the top surface, and extending longitudinally along the top of the connector. The connector including a groove near to the proximal end of the connector and sized to be capable of engaging a trapezoidal roller of a wiper arm. The opposing peripheral side walls having a retaining pin aperture aligned with one another and sized to be capable of accepting a retaining pin of at least one pin-type windshield wiper arm. The channel on the top of the connector sized to be capable of accepting a bayonet style wiper arm. A wiper blade assembly having a wiper strip, a force distribution structure, and a connector as described above.