Wiper Arm End Piece Guide for Connection Interface Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing windshield wiper systems face challenges in ensuring correct alignment and secure attachment of the connection interface during assembly and disassembly, which can lead to fluid leakage and limited freedom of movement, requiring complex intermediate pieces for snap-fastening solutions.

Innovation Solution

An end piece on the wiper arm is designed to guide the connection interface into working and service positions, allowing orientation without an intermediate piece, using projections and deformations for alignment and retention, enabling easy rotation and secure locking during operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an intermediate piece is used for snap-fastening the connection interface in service position, then the connection interface can be secured during assembly, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachment of connection interfaceVSAvoidcomplexity of intermediate piece
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the snap-fastening function from a separate intermediate piece and integrates it directly into the end piece of the wiper arm. The end piece now directly provides the snap-fastening mechanism to retain the connection interface in service position, eliminating the need for the intermediate piece while maintaining secure attachment during assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges multiple functions into the end piece: it combines the positioning function, the snap-fastening function, and the guidance function all within the single end piece structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate intermediate pieces while ensuring reliable retention of the connection interface during blade replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the connection interface is fixed to the mechanical connector, then it moves with the connector during separation, but correct alignment becomes difficult to ensure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement of connection interface during separationVSAvoidalignment of connection interface
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses the end piece as an intermediary structure that the connection interface engages with during assembly and disassembly. The protrusion on the connection interface fits into a corresponding recess in the end piece, providing guidance and ensuring correct alignment while allowing the connection interface to move freely during blade separation when not engaged with the mechanical connector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the connection interface is free with respect to the end piece in working position, then rotation freedom is maintained, but alignment control is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation freedom of adapterVSAvoidalignment of connection interface
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a dynamic system where the connection interface transitions between two states: in working position, the connection interface is free to allow rotation of the adapter for proper blade alignment; during blade replacement, the protrusion engages with the recess in the end piece to provide alignment control. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2803542B1Assembly for producing a windscreen-wiper system for a motor vehicle and connection device including such an assembly
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
  • EP2803542B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2803542B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2803542B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly (1) for the implementation of a windshield wiping system (3) for a motor vehicle comprising an end piece (5) of a wiper arm (7), intended to move a wiper blade (9), and a connection interface (11), in particular a hydraulic and/or electrical connector for supplying a liquid to the wiper blade (9) and/or for heating the liquid or the blade, said end piece (5) being configured to accommodate an adapter (13) allowing rotation between said arm (7) and the blade (9), said assembly (1) being able to occupy a working position in which said connection interface (11) is free with respect to said end piece (5) and a service position, in which said connection interface (11) is orientable with respect to said end piece (5), said end piece (5) being configured to guide said connection interface (11) in the working position and in the service position.