Wiper Arm Locking Surface Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper arm assemblies face challenges in manufacturing cost and inadvertent disassembly, with permanently fixed constructions increasing costs and preassembled designs prone to disassembly during transport or handling.
Innovation Solution
A wiper arm assembly with a locking mechanism that engages locking surfaces on the mounting head and wiper arm when rotated into a shipping position, preventing inadvertent disassembly by requiring a linear force to overcome the tensile force of the spring for disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mounting head and wiper arm are permanently fixed together by a staked pin or rivet, then the assembly is secure and cannot be inadvertently disassembled, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase due to the additional components and processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pin or rivet from the assembly, extracting the unnecessary component that caused complexity. The mounting head and wiper arm are directly attached without intermediate fasteners, eliminating the staking or riveting processes while maintaining structural integrity through the spring-loaded bearing surface design.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded bearing surface performs multiple functions: it provides a secure mechanical connection between the mounting head and wiper arm, maintains preassembly during transport, and enables easy disassembly when needed. This multi-functional element replaces the separate pin, bearing surfaces, and staking process.
2Ease of manufacture
If the mounting head and wiper arm are attached with bearing surfaces that can be disassembled, then the manufacturing cost decreases, but the assembly becomes prone to inadvertent disassembly during transport or handling
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-loaded to create a preliminary force that pushes the bearing surfaces together, creating a locking effect before any transport or handling occurs. This pre-applied force counteracts any external forces that might attempt to separate the mounting head and wiper arm during shipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved or cammed bearing surfaces that convert the linear spring force into a radial clamping force. The curved geometry of the bearing surfaces creates a mechanical interlock that resists separation forces, transforming the simple spring pressure into a secure locked position that prevents inadvertent disassembly.
3Ease of operation
If the bearing surfaces are designed to allow disassembly with minimal force, then the wiper arm can be easily serviced, but the assembly can be inadvertently disassembled during careless handling
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic spring-loaded connection. The spring allows the bearing surfaces to move and adjust under load, providing a flexible connection that is secure under normal conditions but can be easily separated when intentional force is applied during servicing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the force parameter required for disassembly by using the spring mechanism. Under normal conditions, the spring maintains a clamping force that prevents separation. However, when intentional disassembly is needed, applying force in the direction of the spring's compression easily overcomes the clamping force, allowing quick separation for servicing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The assembly is economical to manufacture, easy to assemble, and securely locked against disassembly during handling and transport, ensuring a long and reliable service life.
Implementation Method 1
one end of a coil spring is attached to the mounting head, and an opposite end of the coil spring is attached to the wiper arm. The force imparted by the coil spring maintains the wiper blade in wiping engagement with the window
Implementation Method 2
The locking surfaces of the mounting head and the wiper arm are configured to be brought into engagement with one another in a shipping position under a force imparted by the spring
Data Source
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AI summary
A wiper arm assembly and method of construction thereof includes a mounting head and a wiper arm configured for relative rotation during assembly from a disassembled position to a shipping position, wherein the wiper arm and mounting head are locked against rotation toward the disassembled position once in the shipping position. The mounting head and wiper arm have locking surfaces configured for locked engagement with one another while in the shipping position. The locking surfaces are brought into engagement with one another by a force imparted by a spring while rotating the mounting head relative to the wiper arm from the disassembled position toward the shipping position. When in the shipping position, the locking surfaces confront each other and prevent the mounting head and the wiper arm from rotating back toward the disassembled position from the shipping position.