Wiper Adapter With Elastic Locking Notches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen wiper adapters are complex, difficult to mount, and lack a reliable locking mechanism, which can lead to insecure connections between the wiper blade and the drive arm, affecting the wiper's performance and durability.
Innovation Solution
A simplified adapter design with a longitudinally elongated body featuring symmetrical rear locking notches and elastic branches that deform to secure the yoke, providing a stable and easy-to-mount connection system with front and rear locking lugs, ensuring reliable articulation and immobilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used in the adapter, then the connection reliability between wiper blade and drive arm is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of mounting increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic branch automatically deforms and locks the yoke in position without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. The locking action is self-actuating through the elastic deformation of the branch, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical locking system is replaced by a simple elastic deformation mechanism. Instead of using multiple moving parts, springs, or cam-based locking systems, the invention uses the elastic properties of the branch to achieve reliable locking through a single deformation action
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of operation and mounting is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into distinct functional segments: the body for structural support, the elastic branch for locking action, and the notches for engagement. This segmentation allows each part to perform its function simply and efficiently, making the overall assembly easy to mount while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic branch changes its physical state from undeformed to deformed, utilizing the parameter change in elastic deformation to achieve locking. This simple parameter change provides secure locking while requiring minimal operational complexity from the user
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adapter designs are used, then compatibility with existing yokes is maintained, but the ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter body with its standardized notches and elastic branch design can accommodate multiple yoke types and configurations. The universal design allows a single adapter model to work with various drive arm yokes, increasing versatility while simplifying manufacturing through standardization
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function, articulation function, and structural support function are merged into a single integrated adapter component. The elastic branch combines the locking mechanism with the structural element, eliminating the need for separate locking devices and reducing manufacturing complexity
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
The adapter ensures a secure, easy-to-assemble connection between the wiper blade and drive arm, enhancing the wiper's operational stability and longevity while maintaining ease of use and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
arranged at one end of an elastic branch of the adapter, characterized in that the rear notch has a C-shape lying horizontally and open transversely towards the outside
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention provides an adapter (26) delimited by two external lateral faces which is shaped to be mounted in a clevis (28) with an inverted U cross-section having a pair of front locking lugs (44a, 44b) which cooperate with associated notches (59a, 59b) of the adapter (26) to fix the clevis (28) on the adapter (26) in a removable manner, each of the lateral faces (29a, 29b) of the body (25) of the adapter (26) having a front locking notch (59a, 59b) each of which is able to receive an associated front locking lug (44a, 44b) of the clevis (28), the body (25) of the adapter (26) having rear locking notches which are arranged at one end of an elastic arm (62a, 62b) of the adapter.