Windshield Wiper Adapter for Cross-Arm Connector Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current windshield wiper connection systems are not compatible across different manufacturers, limiting the ability to connect windshield wiper arms from one manufacturer to blades from another.
Innovation Solution
A connection system comprising a windshield wiper adapter and a wiper arm adapter, where the wiper arm adapter has two different connector structures that can be connected to different connector ends of a windshield wiper arm, allowing the same windshield wiper blade to be used with multiple wiper arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different manufacturers use different connector designs for windshield wiper arms and blades, then each manufacturer can optimize their own products, but compatibility between different manufacturers' products is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component that connects the windshield wiper arm to the blade. The adapter includes a first connector structure that attaches to the wiper arm and a second connector structure that attaches to the blade, serving as a mediator between incompatible connector designs and enabling cross-manufacturer compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate modular components: the wiper arm, the adapter (with first and second connector structures), and the blade. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and manufactured by different manufacturers while maintaining overall system compatibility through standardized adapter interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a universal adapter design is used to enable compatibility across different manufacturers, then adaptability improves, but the complexity of the connection system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed as a universal component with multiple functions: it provides mechanical connection, allows for different connector types on each side, and enables compatibility across various wiper arm and blade designs from different manufacturers, all through a single standardized adapter format.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional direct connection methods are used between wiper arms and blades, then the connection structure remains simple, but adaptability to different manufacturers' products is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between incompatible wiper arm and blade designs. By introducing this intermediate element, the system achieves product interchangeability across manufacturers without requiring direct compatibility between arms and blades.
4Reliability
If destructive attachment methods are used to ensure secure connection, then connection reliability improves, but the ability to reuse and adapt components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system employs dynamic, reversible attachment mechanisms rather than permanent destructive connections. The first and second connector structures use mechanical engagement methods that provide secure connection during operation but allow for easy detachment and reuse of components, enhancing both reliability and reusability.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection system (150) for a windshield wiper (300) includes a wiper blade adapter (110) and a wiper arm adapter (120). The wiper blade adapter (110) is configured to receive a windshield wiper blade (100). The wiper blade adapter (110) and the wiper arm adapter (120) are rotatably connected to each other. The wiper arm adapter (120) includes a first connector structure (121, 122) and a second connector structure (123, 124) different from the first connector structure (121, 122). The first connector structure (121, 122) can be connected to the first connector end (210) of the windshield wiper arm, (200) and the second connector structure (123, 124) can be connected to a second connector end (220) of the windshield wiper arm (200) in a non-destructively releasable manner.