Windshield Wiper Arm Connector Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional windshield wiper arm connectors are complicated and troublesome to assemble with a wiper arm due to their intricate mechanisms, requiring precise alignment and pivoting.

Innovation Solution

A windshield wiper arm connector featuring a shell unit with a stop wall, outer and inner side walls, and a linking member, along with a connecting member that is movable between connected and separated positions, simplifies the assembly process by allowing easy insertion and secure engagement of the wiper arm end portion into a receiving space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional windshield wiper arm connector with locking tongues and insertion opening is used, then the connection between wiper arm and connector is secured, but the assembly process becomes complicated and troublesome requiring precise alignment and pivoting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into a shell unit and a separate connecting member. The connecting member can move between a connected position (engaging with the wiper arm) and a separated position (disengaged from the wiper arm). This segmentation allows the connecting member to be independently manipulated for easy attachment and detachment, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting member is designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between connected and separated positions. This dynamic design enables the connector to adapt its state based on operational needs, providing both secure connection during use and easy detachment when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and assembly ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a conventional connector with intricate mechanisms is used, then the connection is secured, but the device complexity increases making it troublesome to assemble

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the connector into a simple shell unit and a movable connecting member, the overall device complexity is reduced. The shell unit provides the basic structure with minimal features, while the connecting member handles the complex engagement function. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure compared to conventional integrated designs with multiple locking tongues and alignment features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The complex engagement mechanism is extracted into a separate movable connecting member that can be independently controlled. This extraction removes the complexity from the main shell unit, allowing the connector to achieve secure connection through the specialized connecting member rather than through a complex integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the connecting member is made movable between connected and separated positions, then the assembly and disassembly process is simplified, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable connecting member is segmented from the shell unit, allowing it to move independently between connected and separated positions. This segmentation enables simplified assembly operations while containing the structural complexity within the modular connecting member rather than requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire connector structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8510897B2Windshield wiper arm connector
Publication Date: 2013.08.20 DONGGUAN HONGYI WIPER
  • US8510897B2 patent drawing
  • US8510897B2 patent drawing
  • US8510897B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A windshield wiper arm connector includes a shell unit and a connecting member. The shell unit includes a stop wall, a pair of outer side walls extending from the stop wall, and a linking member connected to the outer side walls to define a receiving space thereamong. The shell unit is formed with an opening that is opposite to the linking member, that is in spatial communication with the receiving space, and that is adapted for extension of an end portion of a wiper arm therethrough into the receiving space. The connecting member is disposed on the linking member and is movable for connecting to and separating from the end portion of the wiper arm.