Wiper Blade Adapter Cap With Interchangeable Mounting Brackets

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and variety of wiper blade mounts and articulated arms in vehicles lead to increased production costs and complexity in the aftermarket, as numerous adapters are required to accommodate different types, making maintenance and replacement cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A modular adapter system with a removable attachment system that can be easily switched between different types of articulated arms, using a single type of cover with interchangeable mounting members, allowing compatibility with multiple arm configurations without changing the adapter itself.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different adapters are designed to fit each wiper blade mount to various types of articulated arms, then compatibility with different articulated arm types is improved, but production costs increase and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different articulated arm typesVSAvoidnumber of different adapter parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter body is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of articulated arms through interchangeable mounting members. The adapter body includes a receiving space with a bottom surface that can selectively receive different mounting members (first type, second type, etc.), each configured for a specific articulated arm type. This allows a single adapter body to serve multiple functions and be compatible with various articulated arm configurations without requiring multiple different adapter designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter system is divided into two main segments: a universal adapter body and interchangeable mounting members. The mounting members are separate, detachable components that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows the complex variety of articulated arm interfaces to be handled by swapping simple mounting members rather than redesigning the entire adapter, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different adapters are manufactured for different wiper blade mount types, then compatibility with various mounts is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various wiper blade mountsVSAvoidproduction cost of adapters

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter body is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple types of wiper blade mounts and articulated arms through interchangeable mounting members. By producing a single standardized adapter body design rather than multiple specialized adapters, manufacturing economies of scale are achieved, reducing per-unit production costs while maintaining broad compatibility through the modular mounting member system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of multiple different adapters into a single universal adapter body that can perform multiple attachment functions. Instead of manufacturing separate adapters for each mount type and arm type combination, the system combines these functions by integrating various mounting members that can be selectively installed in the same adapter body, thereby reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If a single adapter design is used for multiple articulated arm types, then production costs are reduced, but adaptability to different arm configurations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction cost of adaptersVSAvoidcompatibility with different articulated arm types

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter system incorporates dynamic reconfigurability through interchangeable mounting members. While the adapter body remains static and universal, the mounting members can be dynamically changed to match different articulated arm configurations. This allows the system to adapt to various arm types without changing the fundamental adapter structure, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving versatility through selective component replacement rather than design modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3902710B1Adapter for motor vehicle wiper blade mount

Publication Date: 2023.10.04 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS

Figure 1A~2D
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B

AI summary

The invention concerns an adapter (300) for a wiper blade mount (400), the adapter (300) comprising a cap (200) configured to house, inside a central opening (230), a removable attachment system (100) which enables a subsequent temporary fastening of the adapter (300) with a hinged wiper blade arm, when said adapter (300) is used on a wiper blade (500). To this effect, the removable attachment system (100) comprises one or more mounting members (120) which take the form of brackets designed to be removably inserted in the central opening (230) and held in this configuration by means of temporary fastening means (110). The invention also concerns a wiper blade comprising such an adapter (300) mounted on a mount (400) of a wiper blade (500).