Wiper Arm Connection Device with Offset Longitudinal Web

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiper arm connection devices lack a standardized articulated connection that can efficiently absorb high torques and lateral forces, and are not adaptable to various wiper arm types, leading to play and reduced performance.

Innovation Solution

A connection device with a bearing web and offset longitudinal web, where the adapter is guided laterally with minimal play, using a bearing pin and adapter design that allows for secure locking and holding mechanisms, enabling compatibility with multiple wiper arm types and effective torque and force absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a standardized articulated connection is implemented, then adaptability to various wiper arm types is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple locking and holding mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various wiper arm typesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed as a universal component that can connect to multiple different wiper arm types (hook-shaped ends, lateral bearing pins, toplock connections). The adapter incorporates multiple locking and holding mechanisms within a single standardized interface, allowing one component to serve multiple functions and accommodate various connection types without requiring separate specialized adapters for each wiper arm configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If the joint between connecting element and adapter is made compact, then space for locking and holding means is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace for locking and holding meansVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection element features a nested structure where the bearing web is offset within the longitudinal web, creating concentric guiding paths. The bearing pin passes through the bearing web and is received by the bearing block, while the longitudinal web provides external guidance against the adapter side wall. This nested arrangement compactly integrates multiple guiding and locking functions within a minimized volume, allowing locking and holding mechanisms to be positioned efficiently without increasing overall dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Stability of the object's composition

If lateral guidance is improved by offsetting the longitudinal web, then stability under high torques is improved, but the connection device becomes less adaptable to different configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability under high torquesVSAvoidadaptability to different configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The longitudinal web is deliberately offset asymmetrically relative to the bearing web, with the longitudinal web positioned outward and the bearing web inward. This asymmetric arrangement creates a specific guiding geometry where the outer face of the longitudinal web contacts the inner face of the adapter side wall, while the inner face of the bearing web contacts the bearing block. This asymmetric configuration provides stable lateral guidance and torque resistance while maintaining compatibility with standardized adapter designs through consistent geometric relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP2552755B1Connection device for the articulated connection of a wiper arm to a wiper blade
Publication Date: 2017.11.29 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2552755B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2552755B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2552755B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention is based on a connection device (10) for the articulated connection of a wiper arm (70, 72, 98, 100, 124, 156) to a wiper blade (12) which is permanently connected to a connecting element (22, 170) of the connection device (10), which connection device has at least one bearing web (30) which runs in the longitudinal direction, projects into the interior of the adapter (34, 84, 106, 142, 168) and has a bearing pin (62, 172) which runs transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction, on which bearing pin (62, 172) an adapter (34, 84, 106, 142, 168) is pivotably mounted by bearing means (54, 60, 186), wherein the adapter (34, 84, 106, 142, 168) has latching means (42, 44, 90, 118, 120, 154, 166) and securing means (40, 52, 110, 112, 150, 152, 164, 192, 196) for detachable connection to the wiper arm (70, 72, 98, 100, 124, 156). It is proposed that the bearing web (30) be integrally formed onto a longitudinal side of a base (24) only in a shorter region at the end of the connecting element (22, 170).