Wiper Blade Adapter Locking for Multi-Arm Compatibility

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiper systems face redundancy in adapter types due to variations in driving arm orifices, limiting the compatibility of wiper blades with different driving arms, requiring adapter interchange.

Innovation Solution

A connection device comprising a connector and two adapters, where the adapters' superposed locking members allow the wiper blade to be secured to a driving arm of a type that the single adapter cannot, with retractable locking members facilitating translation and immobilization for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different adapters are used to match different driving arm types, then compatibility with various driving arms is improved, but device complexity and redundancy increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with driving armsVSAvoidredundancy in adapter types

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple driving arm types through a single component. The adapter includes a housing with an opening and a locking member that can engage with different orifice configurations, allowing one adapter to perform multiple functions that previously required several different adapters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking member is designed to be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, allowing the adapter to dynamically adapt to different driving arm types. The locking member can be actuated to engage with various orifice positions and configurations, providing adaptability without requiring multiple static adapter designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different adapters are used to match different driving arm types, then compatibility with various driving arms is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to adapter interchange requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with driving armsVSAvoidease of assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple driving arm types through a single component. The adapter includes a housing with an opening and a locking member that can engage with different orifice configurations, allowing one adapter to perform multiple functions that previously required several different adapters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking member is designed to be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, allowing the adapter to dynamically adapt to different orifice positions. The locking member can be actuated to engage with various orifice configurations, providing adaptability without requiring multiple static adapter designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single adapter design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different driving arm types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of adapter typesVSAvoidcompatibility with driving arms

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is segmented into distinct functional components: a housing that provides structural support and defines an opening, and a locking member that provides engagement capability. This segmentation allows the locking member to be independently positioned and configured to match different orifice types while maintaining a unified adapter structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking member is designed to be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, allowing the adapter to dynamically adapt to different orifice positions. The locking member can be actuated to engage with various orifice configurations, providing adaptability without requiring multiple static adapter designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11772610B2Device for connecting a wiper blade to a driving arm

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS

AI summary

The invention relates to a connection device (1) for a vehicle, intended to connect a wiper blade to a driving arm, comprising at least one connector configured to be secured to the wiper blade (12) and at least two adapters (25, 29), one of the adapters (25) being configured for connecting the connector (24) to a first type of driving arm, and a combination of the two adapters (25, 29) being configured for connecting the connector to a second type of driving arm (59), characterized in that each of these adapters (25, 29) comprises a locking member (85, 89) configured to lock the combination of the two adapters to the second type of driving arm (59), these locking members (85, 89) being superposed in order to secure the combination of the two adapters (25, 29) to the second type of driving arm (59).