Asymmetric Wiper Arm Connection Cavity Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen wiper blade connection devices to motor vehicle arms often suffer from premature wear and loss of anti-rollover functionality due to the matting or filing of flexible tabs, leading to increased risk of damage to glazed panels.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with an asymmetrical connection cavity and a transverse protrusion that allows for elastic deformation, reducing friction and wear by limiting pivoting and incorporating through-cavities to enhance material distribution and resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flexible tongue with a transverse protrusion is used to limit pivoting amplitude, then the anti-rollover function is provided, but the flexible tongue undergoes elastic deformation and friction causing premature wear and matting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the flexible tongue mechanism with a rigid transverse axis that has a cavity. This substitution eliminates the elastic deformation and friction associated with flexible materials, while maintaining the pivoting limitation function through the asymmetric shape and abutment wall geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from flexible (elastic) to rigid, and modifies the geometric parameters of the connection cavity to include an asymmetric shape with an abutment wall that engages with a transverse protrusion. This maintains the functional constraint while eliminating wear mechanisms.
2Loss of substance
If the connection cavity slot is made narrower to reduce wear, then friction is reduced, but the tongue cannot bend properly during locking/unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the flexible tongue system with a rigid transverse axis system, eliminating the need for bending during operation. The connection cavity is designed with an asymmetric shape that provides both proper engagement and reduced friction contact surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection cavity has an asymmetric shape with a single abutment wall positioned to engage the transverse protrusion. This asymmetric geometry allows the protrusion to pass through smoothly during locking/unlocking while maintaining proper pivoting limitation, without requiring the cavity to be overly wide.
3Strength
If the transverse axis is made with sufficient material to increase resistance, then strength is improved, but sink marks and air bubbles form during manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cavities within the transverse axis structure, creating a controlled porous or hollow geometry. This reduces the total material volume needed, preventing sink marks and air bubbles during molding, while the strategic placement of these cavities maintains the required structural resistance and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse axis is segmented by introducing cavities that divide the material distribution. This segmentation allows the molding material to flow more evenly without trapping air, while the remaining material is strategically positioned to maintain structural integrity and resistance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures a more reliable and robust anti-rollover function by reducing wear and preventing the wiper blade from turning over, thereby extending the lifespan of the actuating arm and maintaining effective cleaning performance.
Implementation Method 1
which cooperates by elastic deformation with the central cavity of the brush in a locking position
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection device (6) providing the connection between a windshield wiper (2) and an arm (3), said device comprising a connecting element comprising a connection cavity (7), said connection cavity (7) comprising a transverse pin (8) configured to collaborate with one end (5) of the actuating arm (3) to articulate the windshield wiper (2) to said actuating arm (3), characterized in that one end of the connection cavity (7) has a shape that is asymmetric about a sagittal plane of the windshield wiper (2), said asymmetric shape forming a single upper abutment wall (11) collaborating with a transverse protuberance (12) of a tab (13) of the end (5) of the actuating arm (3) in order to limit the pivoting of the wiper (2) about the actuating arm (3).