Wiper Adapter Elongated Elastic Arm Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen wiper adapters are complex, difficult to mount, and lack a reliable locking mechanism, leading to potential disengagement during operation.
Innovation Solution
A simplified adapter design with elongated, longitudinally shaped body and offset release button, featuring front and rear vertical grooves for locking lugs and a U-shaped locking surface for secure engagement with the yoke, ensuring easy mounting and reliable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used in the adapter, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: locking lugs on the yoke, corresponding locking notches on the adapter body, and a separate elastic retention member with release button. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function simply while collectively providing reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic retention member with release button provides self-service locking and unlocking functionality. The elastic branch automatically engages with the locking lugs to maintain the locked state, and the release button allows easy disengagement without requiring additional tools or complex operations.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used in the adapter, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking lugs and locking notches are pre-positioned on the yoke and adapter body respectively, so that when the adapter is inserted into the yoke, the locking engagement occurs automatically without requiring additional manual intervention. The preliminary positioning of these elements ensures reliable locking while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic retention member with release button provides self-service locking and unlocking functionality. The elastic branch automatically engages with the locking lugs to maintain the locked state, and the release button allows easy disengagement without requiring additional tools or complex operations.
3Ease of operation
If the release button is positioned on the upper face of the adapter body, then the ease of operation is improved, but the locking reliability deteriorates due to potential accidental engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The release button is positioned asymmetrically on the elastic branch, offset from the upper face of the adapter body. This asymmetric positioning ensures that the button is accessible for intentional operation but not easily accessible for accidental engagement, thereby maintaining both ease of intentional operation and locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic branch acts as an intermediary between the release button and the locking lugs. The button is carried by the elastic branch and positioned to engage the locking lugs only when intentionally pressed, providing a mediating mechanism that prevents accidental engagement while maintaining operational accessibility.
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 provides a secure, easy-to-mount connection between the wiper blade and drive arm, preventing accidental disengagement while allowing controlled unlocking, enhancing operational reliability and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the body of the adapter being provided with an elastic branch carrying a release button which is capable of cooperating with the abutment surface of the yoke to immobilize the adapter longitudinally in one direction relative to the yoke
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention proposes an adapter (26) for a windshield wiper comprising a body (25) delimited by two external lateral faces (29a, 29b) and which is shaped to be mounted in a complementary bracket (28) of a wiper arm comprising a pair of front locking lugs (44b) and a stop surface (39) which cooperate with associated parts of the adapter, each of the lateral faces of the adapter (26) comprising a front locking notch (59) which receives a front locking lug (44b), and in which the adapter (26) is provided with an elastic arm (62) carrying a release button (64) which cooperates with the stop surface (39), characterized in that the elastic arm (62) extends longitudinally beyond a transverse end face (27b) of the body (25) of the adapter (26).