Wiper Adapter U-Shape Body and Elastic Snap Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windscreen wiper adapters for motor vehicles lack a simple, efficient, and economical solution for securing windscreen wiper blades to windscreen wiper arms, particularly in designs with sliding covers, which can complicate the attachment process and may not provide adequate retention.
Innovation Solution
The proposed adapter features a body with a U-shaped section that includes projecting elements and lugs designed to engage with the yoke of the windscreen wiper arm, allowing for secure mounting and easy attachment, even in configurations with sliding covers, through a combination of sliding and elastic snap-fastening mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional adapters are used for securing windscreen wiper blades to arms with sliding covers, then the attachment process becomes complicated and retention may be inadequate, but the patent seeks to provide a simple, efficient, and economical solution
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into distinct functional elements: a body portion for insertion into the yoke, projecting elements for engagement with the yoke structure, and lugs for interaction with the sliding cover. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall attachment mechanism while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates elastic snap-fastening mechanisms that automatically engage and lock the adapter to the arm when the blade is attached. The elastic components deform during installation and then snap into place, providing self-retention without requiring additional fastening operations or complex adjustment procedures.
2Reliability
If the adapter uses projecting elements and lugs for secure mounting, then retention is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter combines multiple retention features (projecting elements for yoke engagement and lugs for cover interaction) into a single integrated component. The elastic snap-fastening mechanism is built directly into the adapter structure, merging the fastening function with the mounting structure rather than using separate fasteners or additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter change mechanism. The elastic components temporarily change their physical state during installation, deforming to allow insertion and then returning to their original shape to create the locking effect. This parameter change provides reliable retention through material properties rather than complex mechanical interlocking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the adapter is designed to work with sliding covers in different positions, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with features that enable it to function effectively regardless of the sliding cover position. The projecting elements engage with the yoke structure which remains stationary, while the lugs are positioned to interact with the cover whether it is in the forward or rearward position. This universal design allows a single adapter to work with the cover in any position without requiring position-specific adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter's lugs are pre-positioned and dimensioned during manufacturing to automatically align with and engage the sliding cover at its operational positions. The geometry of the lugs and their relationship to the body are predetermined to ensure proper engagement whether the cover is forward or rearward, eliminating the need for post-installation adjustment or position-specific configuration.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~6b
AI summary
An adapter (1226) for a windshield wiper, particularly for a motor vehicle, of elongated shape and configured to be attached to a wiper arm cover. The adapter comprises a front fairing (1294) and a rear body (1295) which has a substantially U-shaped cross-section and includes two side walls (1226a, 1226b) connected by a top wall (1226c). The front fairing includes a front wall (1294a) configured to extend forward of the rear body and to define, with the rear body, a longitudinal space (1296) for receiving at least a portion of the cover. The adapter is notably used in an assembly comprising a wiper arm and/or a wiper blade.