Wiper Adapter Movable Protuberances for Varying Hook Lengths

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing windscreen wiper adapter designs cannot accommodate wiper arms with different lengths of the U-shaped hook end portion, leading to potential damage during mounting due to elastic deformation of the adapter's side wings.

Innovation Solution

A windscreen wiper adapter with elastically deformable tabs that allow protuberances to move between a rest and retracted position, enabling secure mounting on wiper arms with varying hook lengths without damaging the adapter or wiper arm.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the adapter uses fixed protuberances secured to the side wings, then the adapter structure is simple and strong, but it cannot accommodate wiper arms with different hook lengths and may cause damage during mounting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different hook lengthsVSAvoidadapter structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protuberances are made movable relative to the side wings through elastically deformable tabs, allowing them to shift position dynamically. This enables the adapter to accommodate different hook lengths by adjusting the protuberance positions, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position of the protuberances can be changed by deforming the elastically deformable tabs, allowing the adapter to adapt to different hook lengths. The elastic deformation enables parameter adjustment without requiring a completely different adapter design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the protuberances are secured rigidly to the side wings, then the adapter has high structural strength, but the side wings may be damaged during mounting due to elastic deformation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting reliability without damageVSAvoidside wing structural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is segmented into the side wings and the protuberances, connected through elastically deformable tabs. This segmentation allows the protuberances to move independently relative to the side wings during mounting, preventing damage to the side wings while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastically deformable tabs act as flexible connectors between the side wings and protuberances. These tabs can deform elastically during mounting to allow protuberance movement, preventing damage to the rigid side wings while enabling adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If the adapter is designed for a specific hook length, then the adapter structure is simple, but it cannot be used with wiper arms of different dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different wiper arm dimensionsVSAvoidmounting ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The movable protuberances on elastically deformable tabs allow the adapter to dynamically adjust to different hook lengths, providing versatility while maintaining ease of operation. The elastic deformation occurs automatically during mounting without requiring additional steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows for secure mounting of wiper blades on wiper arms with different hook lengths, preventing damage to the adapter and wiper arm, and ensuring reliable operation across various dimensions.

Implementation Method 1

each protuberance is mounted to move relative to the lateral wing which carries it between: - a rest position in which it projects transversely inwards; and - a retracted position transversely outwards

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3251904B1Adapter for attaching the free end of a windscreen wiper arm, assembly comprising such an adapter and a windscreen wiper arm

Publication Date: 2020.06.10 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~5A

AI summary

The invention proposes an adapter (12) for connecting a wiper blade to a hook-shaped end of a wiper arm, the adapter comprising two vertical lateral wings (40) between which the hook is received, a body (44) which connects the two lateral wings, a first protrusion (100) which projects transversely inwards to cooperate with a front end face of a hook of a first dimension, and a second protrusion (110) carried by the lateral wing (40) which projects transversely inwards to cooperate with an end face of a hook of a second dimension, characterized in that each protrusion (100, 110) is mounted movable relative to the lateral wing (40) which carries it between a rest position in which it projects transversely inwards, and a retracted position transversely outwards.