Wiper Adapter With Locking Tabs And Stop Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automotive wiper systems face challenges in achieving superior operational characteristics while reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the assembly and attachment process to wiper arms.
Innovation Solution
The development of an adapter with a track, bent tab, fins, and locking tabs that securely attach to wiper arm attachment members, ensuring stable and easy releasable attachment, and a wiper assembly with a wiping element and spline for effective windshield cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional wiper assemblies use traditional attachment mechanisms, then the assembly is relatively simple in design, but the attachment and detachment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into distinct functional elements: a stop wall that engages with a track to prevent over-insertion, locking tabs that snap into recesses to secure the adapter, and a release mechanism with resilient fingers that push against lugs to enable detachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall attachment process while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates self-locking features where locking tabs automatically engage with recesses in the wiper arm upon insertion, and self-release features where resilient fingers automatically push against lugs when the release mechanism is activated. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual operations or additional tools, allowing users to attach and detach the wiper assembly with simple actions.
2Reliability
If the adapter uses multiple engagement features for secure attachment, then the reliability of attachment improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple engagement features are merged into a single integrated adapter body. The stop wall, locking tabs, and release mechanism are all formed as part of the same adapter structure, eliminating the need for separate components. This merging maintains high attachment reliability through multiple engagement points while reducing overall device complexity by consolidating functions into one piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed with multi-functionality to work with various wiper arm types through universal engagement features. The stop wall can engage with different track configurations, the locking tabs can snap into various recess positions, and the release mechanism can actuate different lug arrangements. This universality allows a single adapter design to provide reliable attachment across multiple applications without increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for attaching to a wiper arm attachment member having a track defined by a base and walls depending therefrom, a bent tab extending outwardly from the base, and fins that extend from the walls. The adapter has a body with a first and second ends. A stop wall formed at the first end abuts the track. A pair of outer walls extend between the first and second ends. A strap connects the outer walls for engaging the base. A pair of inner walls are spaced laterally between the outer walls and are arranged at least partially under the strap. A cantilevered finger extends from each of the inner walls with a tab formed adjacent to the second end. The tabs extend away from each other and are arranged to engage respective fins to prevent movement between the adapter and the attachment member when the stop wall abuts the track.