Universal Wiper Support Device with Asymmetric Fixing Orifice

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current windshield wiper support devices for vehicles require different designs for 'right-hand drive' and 'left-hand drive' vehicles, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complexity due to distinct layouts and interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A single, stamped support device with a predefined fixing orifice positioned on the right for 'right-hand drive' and left for 'left-hand drive' vehicles, featuring a central tunnel conformation for optimized stiffness and lateral adaptations to accommodate various environmental constraints, allowing the wiper to be attached in a central zone regardless of vehicle type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate support devices are designed for right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles, then the device can be adapted to specific vehicle configurations, but the manufacturing cost and design complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to vehicle configurationVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is designed with a central tunnel conformation that provides a predefined fixing orifice positioned differently depending on the vehicle type. This single universal design can be adapted to both right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles through the strategic positioning of the fixing orifice within the tunnel structure, eliminating the need for completely separate designs while maintaining vehicle-specific adaptability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The central tunnel conformation of the support device creates an asymmetric structure that allows for flexible positioning of the fixing orifice. This asymmetric design enables the same support device to accommodate different vehicle configurations by positioning the fixing orifice on the appropriate side (right or left) depending on whether it's installed in a right-hand drive or left-hand drive vehicle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate support devices are designed for right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles, then the device can be adapted to specific vehicle configurations, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to vehicle configurationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is designed with a central tunnel conformation that provides a predefined fixing orifice positioned differently depending on the vehicle type. This single universal design can be adapted to both right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles through the strategic positioning of the fixing orifice within the tunnel structure, eliminating the need for completely separate designs while maintaining vehicle-specific adaptability

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

Solution Approach 2:

The position of the fixing orifice within the central tunnel conformation can be varied depending on the vehicle type. By changing the positional parameter of the fixing orifice within the same support device structure, the device can be adapted to different vehicle configurations without requiring completely separate manufacturing processes, thereby reducing manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3007941B1Support device for window wiper
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 RENAULT SA
  • EP3007941B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3007941B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a support device (10) for a window wiper, arranged between a lower cross-member of an upper recess (15) and a lower heating partition (16) pertaining to a structure of a motor vehicle, said device comprising an opening (11, 12) for attaching said window wiper. The support device (10) is characterised in that it is formed as a single deep-drawn part which is identical for all makes of motor vehicle, said opening (11; 2) for attaching said window wiper being arranged on a pre-defined portion of the support device (10), which differs according to the make of motor vehicle in question.