Universal Wiper Adapter Base for Multi-Arm Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

The lack of standardization in connection means for flat wiper blades results in a multitude of specific types, leading to increased production and distribution costs and higher prices due to the need for multiple references, as each type of actuation arm requires a unique adapter, hindering innovation and market differentiation.

Innovation Solution

A connection base with a retaining linear guide and removable attachment means at one end, paired with an elongated adapter featuring complementary attachment means at both ends, allowing for standardization across various actuation arms, ensuring a reliable and force-efficient mechanical connector for flat wiper blades.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If each type of actuation arm requires a unique adapter for flat wiper blades, then compatibility with specific actuation arms is ensured, but the number of product references increases leading to higher production and distribution costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with actuation armsVSAvoidnumber of product references

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal adapter design where a single adapter type can be used with multiple actuation arm types through standardized connection interfaces. The adapter features a standardized connection base that interfaces with various actuation arms, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapters and reducing product complexity while maintaining broad compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is segmented into modular components: a standardized connection base, an adapter with standardized interfaces, and the wiper blade itself. This segmentation allows the adapter to serve as a universal intermediary component that can connect different actuation arm types to the wiper blade without requiring custom-designed adapters for each actuation arm variant

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple specialized adapters are produced for different actuation arms, then specific connection requirements are met, but production and distribution costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal adapter design with standardized connection interfaces that can serve multiple actuation arm types, thereby reducing the number of unique adapter variants that need to be manufactured. This consolidation of adapter designs into a single universal type significantly lowers production costs and simplifies distribution while maintaining reliable connections through standardized interface specifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter standardization in the connection interface design, defining specific geometric parameters and tolerance ranges for the standardized connection base and adapter interfaces. By establishing fixed parameter specifications, the system ensures reliable and consistent connections across different applications without requiring custom manufacturing for each case, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining connection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If standardized connection means are implemented for flat wiper blades, then production costs are reduced, but compatibility with all actuation arm types must be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction costVSAvoidcompatibility range

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves broad compatibility through a universal adapter design that incorporates standardized connection interfaces capable of interfacing with multiple actuation arm types. The standardized connection base and adapter configuration allow a single adapter type to serve various actuation arm variants, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining extensive compatibility across different wiper systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter functions as an intermediary component between the actuation arm and the wiper blade, with its standardized connection base serving as a universal interface. This intermediary design allows the adapter to bridge different actuation arm types to the standardized wiper blade connection, achieving broad compatibility while keeping the wiper blade design simplified and cost-effective to manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9290156B2Connection base interacting with an adapter for forming therewith mechanical connector for the wiper blade for an automobile

Publication Date: 2016.03.22 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a connection base for carrying a wiping blade and to be attached to an adapter that can be connected to an actuation arm for forming with said adapter a mechanical connector for a wiper blade for an automobile, the adapter having an elongated shape with first and second ends, characterised in that it includes a retaining linear guide for the first end of the adapter and removable attachment means of the second end supported on the one hand by the adapter and on the other hand by the base. The present disclosure also relates to a conform adapter, to a mechanical connector formed by the adapter and the connection base, to a planar wiper blade and to a wiping device.