Wiper Arm Locking Mechanism for Secure Attachment and Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield wiper blade connection systems are prone to accidental detachment due to dimensional variations and flexibility of plastic parts, especially when hydraulic and electrical connections are involved, posing a safety risk during maintenance and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A windshield wiper blade assembly with a locking mechanism that includes a movable locking member and a stop member, allowing secure attachment in the working position and easy detachment in the maintenance position, along with a guide body for hydraulic and electrical connections that can be disconnected in the maintenance position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a wiper blade is designed to be easily replaceable by consumers, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to improper installation and contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade is divided into modular components including a drive arm, a replaceable wiper element, and a secure means with distinct engagement features. This segmentation allows consumers to easily replace only the wiper element while maintaining a reliable connection through the specialized secure means design.
Solution Approach 2:
The secure means acts as an intermediary mechanism between the drive arm and wiper element, providing a controlled interface that guides proper installation. The complementary engagement features and retention mechanism mediate the connection process, ensuring reliable attachment while remaining simple enough for consumer installation.
2Reliability
If a secure means with complementary engagement features is used to lock the wiper to the drive arm, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secure means employs local quality by concentrating the locking function into specific localized features on the drive arm and wiper element, rather than requiring a complex overall structure. The complementary engagement features are positioned at critical locations to provide secure attachment with minimal additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The secure means merges multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism that provides both attachment and retention. The complementary engagement features simultaneously guide alignment and secure the connection, while the retention mechanism combines locking and positioning functions in one structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wiper blade is made detachable for replacement, then adaptability is improved, but stability deteriorates due to potential detachment and contamination exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The secure means is pre-configured with complementary engagement features that automatically guide proper alignment and attachment when the wiper element is installed. The retention mechanism is pre-positioned to engage immediately upon assembly, preventing detachment before the consumer completes the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by preventing improper detachment and protecting the wiper element from contamination during normal operation. The secure means anticipates potential instability issues and provides continuous securing force to maintain stable attachment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention proposes a wiper (12) comprising a support connector (18) for at least one wiper blade (14), an adapter (20) that is able to take a front-end terminal part (10) of a drive arm of the wiper (12) which is mounted so as to be articulated with respect to the connector (18), about an articulation axis (A), between a working position and a maintenance position, and which has a locking member (32) for locking said terminal part (10) to the adapter (20), which is mounted so as to be movable between a locking position and a retracted position releasing said terminal part (10), characterized in that the wiper (12) has a member (68, 38) for immobilizing the locking member (32) in the locking position when the adapter (20) is in the working position, and for releasing the locking member (32) when the adapter (20) is in the maintenance position.