Wiper Adapter Wind Deflector Aerodynamic Pressing Force

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wiper devices require high contact pressure to ensure adequate wiping performance, which can lead to increased complexity and cost in the wiper arm design, and may result in unfavorable aerodynamic forces at high speeds that deteriorate wiping performance or make it impossible.

Innovation Solution

An adapter unit with a wind deflector surface and pivot bearing that uses varying support element heights and orientations to leverage airflow for increased pressing force on the wiper blade, reducing the need for high contact pressure and improving aerodynamics by ensuring a resultant force presses the wiper blade onto the window.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high contact pressure is applied by the wiper arm to press the wiper blade against the vehicle window, then adequate wiping performance is ensured, but the wiper arm design becomes more complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiping performanceVSAvoidwiper arm design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful aerodynamic force (wind pressure) into a beneficial pressing force. The wind deflector surface is designed to redirect airflow so that the aerodynamic pressure normally acting against the wiper assembly is transformed into an additional force pressing the wiper blade against the window, thereby reducing the mechanical contact pressure required from the wiper arm while maintaining wiping performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The wind deflector surface acts as an intermediary element between the airflow and the wiper blade. It mediates the interaction by redirecting the aerodynamic forces through its specific geometry and orientation, converting the wind pressure into a useful pressing force on the wiper blade without requiring complex modifications to the wiper arm mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If high contact pressure is applied by the wiper arm, then adequate wiping performance is ensured, but adverse aerodynamic forces are generated at high speeds that deteriorate wiping performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiping performanceVSAvoidaerodynamic forces
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wind deflector surface converts the harmful aerodynamic forces into a beneficial pressing force. By optimizing the surface geometry and orientation, the patent redirects airflow so that wind pressure acts to press the wiper blade against the window rather than creating adverse lifting or destabilizing forces, thereby improving wiping performance even at high speeds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the aerodynamic parameters by modifying the wind deflector surface geometry and orientation. The specific angular orientation and curved surface profile alter the airflow characteristics, transforming the aerodynamic force vector from a harmful direction into a beneficial pressing direction that enhances contact between the wiper blade and window

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design enhances wiping performance by reducing the required contact pressure, allows for a simpler and more compact wiper arm, and prevents adverse aerodynamic forces, ensuring effective operation even at high speeds.

Implementation Method 1

a wind deflector surface which is set up to deflect incoming air and to press the wiper blade against a vehicle window

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic force: Drag

Implementation Method 2

when driving fast it presses the wiper blade against the vehicle window due to the airstream flowing against it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAirflow pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

a pivot bearing, which is set up to pivotally mount the wiper arm relative to the wiper blade

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3856582B1Adapter and wiper device
Publication Date: 2023.01.11 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3856582B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3856582B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3856582B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an adapter unit which is provided for coupling, in particular releasably coupling, of a wiper blade to a wiper arm, comprising a wind deflector surface, which is designed to deflect inflowing air and press the wiper blade against a vehicle windshield, and comprising a pivot bearing, which is designed to support the wiper arm so as to be pivotal with respect to the wiper blade, wherein the pivot bearing has at least two columns arranged largely vertically on an adapter base surface, wherein each of the columns has a hinge pin which is oriented parallel or largely parallel to a bearing axis and is designed to support the wiper arm and/or a wiper arm adapter unit, and wherein the adapter unit comprises at least two supporting elements arranged on the adapter base, which supporting elements are designed to support or mechanically contact the wind deflector surface, wherein the pivot bearing is arranged at least largely between the at least two supporting elements and at least one first supporting element of the at least two supporting elements is designed as a captive fastener for the adapter unit on the wiper arm, in particular if a fixing means is faulty. According to the invention, a supporting element of the at least two supporting elements which faces away from the wiper arm has a lower height than a supporting element of the at least two supporting elements which faces the wiper arm, in particular that the height of each of the at least two supporting elements corresponds to a height profile of the window deflector surface. (Figure 2)