Reusable Wiper Blade Adapter for Fast Blade Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of replacing windshield wiper blades is frustrating due to the need to identify and reattach compatible adapters with various wiper arm designs, leading to unnecessary wear and frequent replacement of adapters.
Innovation Solution
A reusable wiper blade adapter system with a pivoting shuttle connector and sliding locking mechanism that allows for easy attachment and detachment of disposable wiper blades without reattaching the adapter to the wiper arm, using a set of rails and opposing slots for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If consumers replace the entire wiper blade including the adapter, then the worn rubber squeegee is replaced, but the adapter must be removed and reattached to the complex wiper arm configuration which is frustrating and confusing
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade assembly is segmented into two distinct parts: a reusable adapter that remains on the wiper arm and a disposable wiper blade that can be quickly replaced. This segmentation allows the adapter to stay permanently mounted on the complex wiper arm configuration, eliminating the need for consumers to repeatedly remove and reattach adapters when replacing worn wiper blades.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is pre-installed on the wiper arm in a preliminary action, so that when the wiper blade needs replacement, the adapter is already in position and ready to receive the new blade. This preliminary installation eliminates the need for consumers to identify and attach the correct adapter during each replacement cycle.
2Reliability
If consumers replace the entire wiper blade including the adapter, then the worn rubber squeegee is replaced, but this requires going through the frustrating and confusing process of fitting the adapter again
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the wiper blade system into a permanent adapter component and a replaceable blade component, the invention eliminates the time-consuming process of repeatedly fitting adapters. The adapter stays on the wiper arm while only the blade needs replacement, significantly reducing the time required for each maintenance cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper blade is designed as a disposable component that can be quickly replaced without affecting the permanent adapter. This allows consumers to purchase inexpensive replacement blades without worrying about the complexity of adapter installation, reducing both time and effort for regular maintenance.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If adapters are made of engineered plastic that does not wear as quickly as the rubber squeegee, then the adapter lasts longer, but consumers still need to replace the entire assembly including the adapter
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the wiper system into a permanent reusable adapter and a disposable blade allows the durable engineered plastic adapter to remain on the wiper arm for extended use. Meanwhile, only the rubber squeegee portion needs periodic replacement, eliminating the need to remove and reattach the durable adapter with each blade replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows consumers to discard only the worn rubber squeegee blade while recovering and retaining the durable adapter on the wiper arm. This selective replacement approach maximizes the utilization of the long-lasting engineered plastic adapter while efficiently replacing the wear-prone rubber component.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1E
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A system and method are provided that enables windshield wiper blades to be replaced without the complexity of removing and reattaching adapters to the wiper arms with every wiper blade replacement cycle. The wiper blade adapter is reusable and stays connected to the windshield wiper arm while providing a simple connecting system that enables the attachment of the wiper blade to the base of the adapters. The adapters are made of engineered plastic that does not wear as quickly as the rubber squeegee and does not need to be replaced as often as the wiper blade. The reusable wiper blade adapter employs a simple mating connector on the wiper blade that provides for an intuitive motion to attach and detach from the base of the adapter thus providing for a simpler blade replacement process.