Wiper Blade Adapter Cover With Asymmetric Rotational Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of wiper blade systems in motor vehicles, with numerous adapter types required for different wiper arm configurations, leads to increased production costs and complicates replacement processes, making assembly unintuitive for private individuals.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with a rotating cover featuring an angular indexing system that securely attaches to a wiper blade mounting, allowing for easy assembly and preventing reverse installation, while being customizable for various wiper blade types and adaptable to multiple wiper arm types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapter types are designed for different wiper arm configurations, then compatibility with various wiper arms is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter body is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple wiper arm configurations through a single pivot connection interface. The standardized adapter body serves as a multi-functional component that works with different cover types, reducing the need for multiple specialized adapters while maintaining compatibility across various wiper arm designs
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapter types are designed for different wiper arm configurations, then compatibility with various wiper arms is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized adapter body serves as a common platform that can be mass-produced once and then paired with different cover types. This multi-functional design allows the same adapter body to work with multiple cover variants, significantly reducing tooling costs, mold investments, and manufacturing complexity compared to producing entirely separate adapters for each wiper arm configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is divided into two independent components: a standardized adapter body and interchangeable covers. This segmentation allows the adapter body to be manufactured once in large quantities, while only the covers need to be produced in multiple variants. The modular approach reduces overall manufacturing costs by separating the common structural elements from the configuration-specific elements
3Ease of manufacture
If a standardized adapter design is used, then production costs are reduced, but adaptability to different wiper arm types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized adapter body incorporates a universal pivot connection interface that can accommodate multiple wiper arm configurations. This single adapter body design serves multiple functions by working with different cover types, each potentially optimized for specific wiper arm variants, thereby maintaining high adaptability while benefiting from standardized manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter body acts as an intermediary component between the wiper arm and the cover-specific mounting mechanisms. By standardizing this intermediate element, the system achieves cost-effective manufacturing while the combination of standardized adapter body with various covers provides the necessary adaptability to different wiper arm types
4Reliability
If complex assembly procedures are used to ensure proper adapter installation, then assembly reliability is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover features an asymmetric design with a specific orientation that can only be installed in one correct position on the adapter body. This asymmetry, potentially through non-circular engagement features or keyed interfaces, ensures that the cover cannot be mistakenly installed backward or in the wrong orientation, thereby guaranteeing assembly reliability while maintaining simplicity for the end user
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an adapter for a wiper blade mounting, the adapter comprising a cover which can be releasably attached to a main bar of the mounting by a single rotational movement that allows form-closure engagement between the cover and the main bar. According to the invention, the cover comprises an angular indexing system for defining an axis of rotation of the cover, the angular indexing system cooperating with an opening in the main bar. The opening and the angular indexing system have an asymmetrical form in order to allow angular indexing of the cover relative to the main bar and, subsequently, mechanical coupling of the cover on the main bar. The invention is applicable to motor vehicles.