Windshield Washer Cap with Integrated Pipe Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for holding a windshield washer fluid pipe on a motor vehicle wiper system are complex and require precise clearance between multiple parts, making assembly difficult and aesthetically unappealing.

Innovation Solution

A holding device with a driver and cap that features a curved portion of the pipe recessed from the outer contour, allowing self-sufficient maintenance by either the driver or cap, eliminating the need for additional parts and enhancing aesthetics by hiding the curved portion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple parts (head of arm and cover) are used to hold the pipe, then the pipe can be maintained in position, but the assembly operation becomes complex and requires precise clearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe positioning stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pipe holding function into a single integrated component (either the driver or cap) rather than using multiple separate parts. The housing is formed as part of the driver or cap structure, eliminating the need for separate holding mechanisms and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable pipe positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The driver or cap structure includes an integrated housing that automatically holds the pipe through its own geometry. The curved portion of the pipe is received by the housing formed on the driver or cap, creating a self-contained holding mechanism that does not require additional parts or complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If the curved portion of the pipe is exposed, then the assembly is simple, but the aesthetics of the wiper system deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The curved portion of the pipe is nested within the housing formed on the driver or cap structure. This nesting arrangement conceals the pipe within the overall assembly, improving aesthetics while maintaining assembly simplicity. The housing integrates the pipe holding function within the existing driver or cap geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Device complexity

If a single piece is used to hold the pipe, then the assembly process is simplified, but the pipe holding reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidpipe holding security

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe holding function is merged into the driver or cap structure through an integrated housing. This single-piece design maintains reliability by using the structural integrity of the driver or cap itself to secure the pipe, eliminating the need for multiple separate holding components while ensuring secure pipe positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3216661B1Device for holding a pipe, in particular for windscreen washer fluid

Publication Date: 2019.10.30 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS

Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a cap (20b) for retaining a windshield washer fluid hose (2), the cap (20b) being suitable for being attached to a trainer, the cap having a housing (30b) formed on said cap (20b) between a radially inner skirt (24) and a radially outer skirt (25), arranged to receive a curved portion (12) of a hose.