Windshield Wiper Arm Restraint for Handle Access and Low Blade Parking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heavy-duty vehicles, the high placement of windshields makes it difficult for users to access and clean the windshield, as foldable steps and grab handles limit the space available for mounting windshield wiper devices, leading to reduced driver visibility.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle windshield wiper device with an articulated structure and a blade, featuring an arm holder that restrains the arm from pivoting when the blade is in the parking position, allowing the arm to be used as a handle for accessing the windshield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If grab handles are attached on the truck front below the windshield, then users can access the windshield, but space available to attach the windshield wiper device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper arm is designed to serve dual functions: as a functional component for windshield wiping and as a grab handle for user access. The arm includes a handling section with ergonomic features (diameter 30-80mm, length 100-300mm) that allows users to grasp it for climbing onto the vehicle, eliminating the need for separate grab handles and freeing up mounting space.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper arm structure is made universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions: mechanical force transmission for blade movement, structural support for the wiper mechanism, and a grab handle for user access. This multi-functionality resolves the space conflict by consolidating the handle function into the existing wiper arm structure.
2Productivity
If wiper blades are positioned at the bottom area of the windshield, then the wiper device can effectively clean the windshield, but driver visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper arm is designed with dynamic positioning capability through the arm holder mechanism that allows controlled pivoting. The arm can be positioned at different angles and heights, enabling the blade to reach the bottom area for effective cleaning while the arm structure itself remains elevated to maintain driver visibility when not in use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the arm is allowed to pivot freely, then the wiper blade can move between working and parking positions, but the arm cannot serve as a stable handle for users
Solution Approach 1:
The arm holder mechanism provides preliminary stabilization by restraining the arm in a predetermined parking position when not in use. The holder includes a pin that engages with a hole in the arm to prevent unwanted pivoting, providing stability for user handling while allowing controlled movement when needed for operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle windshield wiper device comprising an articulated structure and a blade, the articulated structure comprising an arm transmitting mechanical forces to the blade, wherein the arm is mounted on an axle to provide an arm rotational movement corresponding to a wiping movement, wherein the arm is pivotably attached to the axle. The vehicle windshield wiper device also comprises an arm holder restraining the arm from pivoting when blade is in a parking position.