Wiper Blade Adapter Geometry for Hook Alignment and Safe Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wiper arm and wiper blade connection devices are difficult to assemble, especially with hook-shaped terminal portions, leading to misalignment and potential user injury due to the need for manual force that can cause the hook to overpull and lose its stopping function.
Innovation Solution
A new adapter design featuring curved hooks with vertical flanks, guiding portions with U-shaped sections, and locking elements that prevent the hook's free end from overpassing, ensuring correct longitudinal positioning and secure attachment to wiper arms with varying dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a straight wall is used to position the hook, then the hook can be correctly positioned in translation, but the hook's free end passes over the wall during dynamic mounting, causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the straight wall with a curved surface that conforms to the hook's geometry. The curved mounting surface allows the hook to be guided into position without the free end passing over a rigid straight wall, thereby maintaining positioning precision while enabling smooth dynamic assembly without misalignment or user injury.
2Ease of operation
If manual load is applied to assemble the adapter with the hook, then the adapter can be connected to the wiper arm, but the hook is overpulled and the operator loses time and may harm themselves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a curved mounting surface as an intermediary element between the adapter and the hook. This curved surface acts as a guide that distributes the assembly force evenly, preventing the hook from being overpulled while still enabling secure connection. The intermediary surface transforms the assembly process from a forceful manual operation to a guided, controlled engagement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional connecting devices are used with hook-shaped terminal portions, then most wiper arms can be connected, but the assembly is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved mounting surface that accommodates the natural geometry of hook-shaped terminal portions. This curved design allows for smooth, guided engagement that reduces assembly time while maintaining compatibility with various wiper arm configurations. The curvature enables the hook to slide into position naturally without requiring precise manual alignment or excessive force.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides an adapter (3) for the connection of a wiper blade to a terminal portion of a wiper arm which is a hook having a curved part and a free end. The adapter comprises two vertical flanks (5) arranged so that the hook is received between the two said flanks (5), at least one shaft (7) which is extending between the two vertical flanks (5), a front portion (11) and a rear portion (13) of the adapter (3) which are delimited by a central axis of the shaft (7), the rear portion (13) comprises two guiding portions (37, 39), each guiding portion (37, 39) having a U shape section, a first guiding portion (37) comprising an abutment (45) configured to contact an internal face of the hook, a second guiding portion (39) comprising a stop element (65) configured to contact the free end of the hook. The first guiding portion (37) and the second guiding portion (39) are adapted to contact each other in order to avoid contact between the shaft (7) and the curved part of the hook.