Windshield Wiper Arm Washer Nozzle Layout to Reduce Bulk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield wiper arms become bulky in the width direction due to the arrangement of the hose connected to the washer nozzle, which impairs their appearance.
Innovation Solution
A windshield wiper arm design featuring a washer nozzle with three-dimensional flowpaths and a fitting groove allows the hose to overlap with the arm piece, reducing bulkiness and improving appearance by integrating the hose and arm piece in a way that minimizes width expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hose is arranged shifted in the width direction to connect to the washer nozzle spray port, then the washer fluid can be sprayed near the wiper blade, but the windshield wiper arm becomes bulky in the width direction and appearance is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The hose arrangement transitions from a two-dimensional lateral shift to a three-dimensional configuration by routing the hose through the interior space of the arm piece. The hose enters through a hose insertion hole in the arm piece and connects to the washer nozzle from the interior, eliminating the need for lateral displacement and maintaining a sleek appearance while preserving washing functionality
2Reliability
If the hose is arranged shifted in the width direction, then the washer nozzle can be positioned correctly, but the overall width of the windshield wiper arm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hose is nested within the arm piece structure by routing it through the interior cavity of the arm piece. The arm piece acts as a container that houses the hose, allowing the hose to be positioned correctly for washer nozzle connection without increasing the external dimensions of the wiper arm assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
With the present invention it is possible to stop the entire windshield wiper arm from becoming bulky, and improve the appearance thereof. This windshield wiper arm 1 comprises: an arm piece 30 to which is connected a windshield wiper blade which wipes a surface to be wiped; a hose 60 to which washer fluid is supplied; and a washer nozzle 50 which is connected to the hose 60, and which is fitted to the arm piece 30 on the base part-side of the part connected with the wiper blade. The washer nozzle 50 has formed therein a first flowpath 81 which extends in a longitudinal direction X, a second flowpath 82 which is connected to the first flowpath 81, and which extends in a wiping direction Z which intersects with the longitudinal direction X, and in which windshield wiper blades can move when wiping the wiping surface, a third flowpath 83 which is connected to the second flowpath 82 and which extends along the normal line of the surface to be wiped, while intersecting with both the longitudinal direction X and the wiping direction Z, and a fitting groove 51 into which the arm piece 30 is fitted, and which extends along the longitudinal direction X.