Wiper Arm Coupling Structure for Low-Friction Fluid Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper arm devices face challenges in achieving optimal freedom of movement and reducing torque and friction, particularly in the connection between the wiper blade and the fluid supply unit.
Innovation Solution
The proposed wiper arm device incorporates a coupling unit with two coupling elements, one for mechanical connection and another for fluidic connection, designed to reduce friction and enhance rotational freedom. The fluid supply unit is integrated with a fluid line that extends along the wiper rod, and a supply coupling element is used to connect the fluid line to the coupling unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single integrated coupling is used for both mechanical and fluidic connection, then device complexity is reduced, but freedom of movement and rotational capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit is divided into separate coupling elements - one for mechanical connection and another for fluidic connection. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently, enabling rotational freedom in the mechanical connection while maintaining fluid supply through the dedicated fluidic coupling element.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling unit acts as an intermediary component between the fluid supply unit and the wiper blade. It mediates between the conflicting requirements of mechanical connection stability and rotational freedom, and fluidic connection reliability, by providing separate coupling elements for each function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid mechanical connection is used between wiper blade and fluid supply unit, then connection stability is improved, but torque and friction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is segmented into mechanical coupling elements and fluidic coupling elements. The mechanical elements provide stable positioning while the fluidic elements transmit supply lines with minimal friction, reducing overall torque requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid supply lines are integrated into the coupling unit, using hydraulic/pneumatic principles to deliver wiper fluid without rigid mechanical constraints. This reduces friction and torque while maintaining connection stability through the separate mechanical coupling elements.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate coupling components are used for mechanical and fluidic connections, then freedom of movement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit merges multiple coupling elements (mechanical and fluidic) into a single integrated component that attaches to the wiper blade adapter. This combining approach provides the freedom of movement of separate components while maintaining the simplified installation and reduced part count of an integrated solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling unit is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical connection, fluidic connection, and rotational freedom. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate components while achieving the desired operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is based on a wiper arm device (10) comprising at least one wiper arm adapter (14) for coupling to at least one wiper blade (102) and to at least one fluid supply unit (24) in order to supply the at least one wiper blade (102) with wiper fluid, which unit comprises at least one fluid line (26).It is proposed that the fluid supply unit (24) comprises a coupling unit (16), which is designed as a headpiece for the at least one fluid line (26) and which comprises at least two coupling elements (20, 22) which are designed for a mechanical connection to the at least one wiper blade (102), and wherein exactly one coupling element (20) of the at least two coupling elements (20, 22) is designed for a fluidic connection to the at least one wiper blade (102).