Wiper Adapter with Biasing Release Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wiper systems face challenges in achieving superior operational characteristics while reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the assembly process, particularly in providing a simple and effective releasable attachment to wiper arms.
Innovation Solution
The wiper adapter features a body with sides to accommodate the wiper arm hook, a resilient release tab, a tooth, and a biasing element that engages the hook's aperture, allowing for upward displacement of the release tab for easy attachment and detachment, thereby simplifying the attachment process and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional wiper systems use traditional attachment mechanisms, then the connection between wiper assembly and wiper arm is secure, but the attachment and detachment process becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion that receives the wiper arm hook, a release tab that provides the operating interface, and a tooth that engages with the hook aperture. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall attachment mechanism while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element automatically engages the tooth with the hook aperture when the adapter is attached to the wiper arm, and the release tab automatically disengages the tooth when pressed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control systems, reducing device complexity while improving ease of operation.
2Reliability
If conventional wiper systems use complex assembly structures, then the connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: the body provides structural support and hook reception, the deck engages the top part of the hook, the tooth provides locking engagement with the aperture, and the release tab provides the operating interface. This merging reduces the number of parts compared to conventional systems, simplifying manufacturing and assembly while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the wiper assembly and the wiper arm hook. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the connection while ensuring reliable force transmission. The tooth-aperture engagement mechanism serves as an intermediary locking feature that secures the connection without requiring complex fastening systems.
3Ease of operation
If the release tab is positioned close to the deck, then the adapter structure is compact, but the release tab is difficult to access and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The release tab extends laterally outward from the body in a direction perpendicular to the main attachment axis, creating a convenient access point for user operation. This dimensional arrangement allows the release tab to be easily reachable without significantly increasing the overall volume of the adapter, as the extension occurs in a direction that does not interfere with the compact stacking or storage of the component.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables effective cleaning of surfaces while providing a straightforward and cost-effective method for attaching wiper assemblies to wiper arms, enhancing user accessibility and reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient release tab is spaced from the deck, is disposed between the sides, and extends to a distal end. The biasing element depends from the release tab and is disposed between the tooth and the distal end. The biasing element engages the bottom part of the hook of the wiper arm such that the release tab is displaced upwardly toward the top part of the hook of the wiper arm when the tooth engages the aperture of the bottom part of the hook of the wiper arm.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an adapter for use in releasably attaching a wiper assembly to a wiper arm hook including a top and a bottom with an aperture. The adapter includes a body, a deck, a release tab, a tooth, and a biasing element. The body has sides to accommodate wiper hook. The deck engages the top of the wiper hook. The release tab is spaced from the deck, is disposed between the sides, and extends to a distal end. The tooth depends from the release tab and engages the aperture of the bottom of the wiper hook. The biasing element depends from the release tab, is disposed between the tooth and the distal end, and engages the bottom of the wiper hook such that the release tab is displaced upwardly toward the top of the wiper hook when the tooth engages the aperture of the wiper hook.