Nested Wiper Blade Adapter Structure to Limit Play and Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connection devices for vehicle wiper blades and driving arms suffer from play and oscillation issues due to clearance between adapters, leading to impaired wiper system operation and increased weight from surplus material.
Innovation Solution
A connection device featuring a base adapter with U-shaped cross-section and complementary adapters that interfit, reducing play through clearance spaces and bearing zones, allowing secure attachment and reduced weight by optimizing adapter design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters are combined to connect wiper blade with different yoke types, then adaptability is improved, but play and oscillation increase due to clearance between adapters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the first adapter inside the base adapter, with the lateral wall of the first adapter received within the clearance of the base adapter's lateral wall. This nested configuration allows multiple adapters to be combined while minimizing clearance and play, thereby maintaining adaptability across different yoke types while improving operational stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters are combined to provide versatility, then adaptability is improved, but weight increases due to surplus material
Solution Approach 1:
The first adapter is designed to be nested within the base adapter, with its lateral wall received in the clearance of the base adapter. This nesting approach minimizes the overall volume and material required for the combined adapter assembly, thereby reducing weight while maintaining the ability to connect with different yoke types.
Solution Approach 2:
The base adapter is designed with a clearance that can accommodate the lateral wall of the first adapter, creating a universal interface that allows a single base adapter to work with multiple adapter types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate heavy-duty adapters for each yoke type, thereby reducing overall weight.
3Strength
If adapters are designed with sufficient material for strength, then strength is improved, but bulk and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing material only where structurally necessary. The base adapter has a lateral wall with a clearance that receives the first adapter's lateral wall, concentrating material in the bearing zones where strength is needed for load transmission, while reducing material in non-critical areas. This localized material distribution maintains structural strength while minimizing weight.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection device (1) providing connection between a wiper blade and a driving arm (7) for a vehicle, comprising a base adapter (25) and at least a first adapter (26), this base adapter (25) being equipped with at least one pivot member (50) intended to connect it to a connector, the base adapter (25) being configured to connect this connector to a first type of driving arm, the base adapter (25) and the first adapter (26) each having a U-shaped cross section formed of two lateral walls (251, 261) connected by an upper wall. According to the invention, at least one lateral wall (251) of the base adapter (25) comprises at least one clearance (502) which accepts a lateral wall (261) of the first adapter (26).