Wiper Adapter Cam Mechanism for Secure Attachment
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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 the attachment of wiper assemblies to wiper arms, which often require complex and costly methods.
Innovation Solution
The adapter features a track with a base and walls, including a bent tab and fins, along with a resilient bridge and cam surfaces, allowing for a 'heel-to-toe' attachment method that prevents improper 'toe-to-heel' connections, ensuring secure and easy attachment of the wiper assembly to the wiper arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional attachment methods are used, then the wiper assembly can be attached to the wiper arm, but the attachment process becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment member is segmented into distinct functional elements: a track structure with walls and fins for positioning, a bent tab for engagement, and a cam surface for actuation. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall attachment mechanism while reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the wiper arm and the wiper assembly. It incorporates the attachment member with the track, fins, bent tab, and cam surface, mediating the connection process and enabling a simple, cost-effective attachment method that prevents improper connections
2Ease of manufacture
If the attachment method is simplified, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but proper alignment and prevention of improper connections becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The track structure with walls and fins is designed to preliminarily guide and position the attachment member, preventing improper connections before they can occur. The geometry of the track and fins creates inherent constraints that allow only the correct heel-to-toe alignment, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The bent tab is pre-positioned within the track and the cam surface is pre-configured to engage with the fin. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the attachment forces are applied, the components are already in the correct positions to guide the attachment process and prevent improper connections
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 provides a cost-effective and simplified method for attaching wiper assemblies to wiper arms, enhancing operational efficiency and ease of use by ensuring correct alignment and secure attachment, thus improving wipe quality and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient bridge connecting the guard to the body. The bridge is adapted to flex when the guard pivots away from the stop member in response to force translated to the upper cam surface from the bent tab of the wiper arm
Implementation Method 2
The guard has an upper cam surface adapted to cooperate with the bent tab of the wiper arm in camming relationship when the wiper assembly is being attached to the wiper arm
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for attaching a wiper assembly to a wiper arm having an attachment member including an end with a bent tab extending outwardly therefrom, and walls having fins. The adapter includes a body having first and second ends. A retention member is disposed at the first end for abutting the fin. A canard extends from the retention member toward the second end and is adapted to be disposed adjacent to one of the walls. A stop is disposed closer to the second end than the first. A guard is spaced longitudinally from the stop and has a cam surface and an engagement surface. A bridge connects the guard to the body and is adapted to flex when the guard pivots from the stop in response to force translated to the cam surface from the bent tab until the engagement surface abuts at least a portion of the bent tab.