Universal Wiper Adapter With Immobilizing Studs And Flexible Tongue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield wiper systems face challenges in connecting wipers to drive arm caps with specific geometries, as current adapters are not universally compatible with various types of drive arm caps and wiper connectors, limiting their versatility.
Innovation Solution
A universal adapter with a body and head design featuring immobilizing means such as studs and flexible tongues, allowing for secure engagement with drive arm caps having reverse U-shaped sections, providing immobilization in multiple directions through complementary shapes and dimensions, ensuring compatibility with different cap types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal adapter design is implemented to connect with multiple types of drive arm caps, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter body is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of drive arm caps through a standardized engagement mechanism. The body includes a receiving space with specific geometric features (first and second engagement surfaces) that can interface with various cap configurations, allowing a single adapter design to serve multiple functions across different wiper systems
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is divided into distinct functional segments: the body for structural support and cap engagement, the immobilizing means for securing the wiper, and the connection interface for the wiper arm. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall compatibility
2Reliability
If immobilizing means are added to secure the adapter to the drive arm cap, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The immobilizing means is integrated directly into the adapter body structure rather than being a separate component. The first immobilizing means includes a protrusion that extends into a recess in the drive arm cap, while the second immobilizing means features an engagement surface that interfaces with a corresponding surface on the cap. This merging reduces part count while maintaining secure connection
Solution Approach 2:
The immobilizing means employs asymmetric geometric features (protrusions and recesses with specific orientation and shape) that provide reliable engagement in critical directions while minimizing engagement in others, ensuring stable connection without requiring symmetric reinforcement
Data Source
AI summary
The subject of the invention is an adapter (100) intended to connect a wiper to a drive arm (5) of a motor vehicle wiper system. The adapter (100) according to the invention comprises a head (1) and a body (2) which extend in the continuation of one another in a longitudinal direction of the adapter (100), and the adapter (100) according to the invention comprises a means (6, 61) of rotational connection to a connector (8) attached to the wiper (7). According to the invention, the adapter (100) is formed at least by an upper wall (10, 20) from which derive at least two lateral flanks (11, 21) so as to delimit an internal volume (101) in which the connector (8) is able to extend. The adapter (100) comprises a first immobilizing means (3) and a second immobilizing means (4), each configured to immobilize the adapter (100) on the drive arm (5) in a direction perpendicular to the upper wall (20). According to the invention, the first immobilizing means (3) is formed of at least one stud (33) which comprises a protrusion (32), and in that the second immobilizing means (4) is at least made up of a tooth (410) arranged at one end of a flexible tongue (40) and extending towards the body (2) of the said adapter (100).