Wiper Arm Assembly Locking Tab Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper arm assemblies face increased manufacturing and assembly costs due to permanent fixation methods and are prone to inadvertent disassembly during transport or handling due to sliding bearing surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A wiper arm assembly design featuring a locking mechanism with a locking tab and recess on the mounting head and wiper arm, where the locking surfaces engage under spring tension to prevent disassembly, allowing for secure attachment and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent fixation methods (staked pin or rivet) are used to attach mounting head and wiper arm, then reliability of connection is improved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct components: a locking tab on one part and a corresponding recess on the other part. This segmentation allows for simpler assembly compared to permanent fixation, as the parts can be locked together through a simple engagement process rather than requiring staking or riveting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tab acts as an intermediary element that mediates the connection between the mounting head and wiper arm. Instead of directly permanently joining the two main components, the locking tab serves as a intermediate locking element that simplifies the assembly process while maintaining connection reliability.
2Ease of operation
If bearing surfaces are allowed to slide relative to one another for easy assembly, then ease of assembly is improved, but inadvertent disassembly during transport or handling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tab and recess are designed to engage in advance during the assembly process, creating a preliminary locking action that prevents the bearing surfaces from sliding apart during subsequent handling or transport. The spring mechanism applies preliminary force to ensure the locking surfaces remain engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded to apply continuous force that maintains the locking surfaces in engagement. This preliminary action ensures that the mounting head and wiper arm remain securely connected throughout assembly, transport, and handling operations.
3Reliability
If spring tension is increased to prevent disassembly, then reliability is improved, but the force required for assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic elements including a spring that can compress and expand, and a locking tab that can rotate or move during assembly. This dynamic design allows the system to accommodate the forces applied during assembly while maintaining reliable locking once assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring constant and pre-load force are optimized to provide sufficient locking force during normal operation while requiring only moderate assembly force. The geometric parameters of the locking tab and recess are designed to facilitate easy engagement while maintaining strong locking capability.
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 design reduces manufacturing costs, prevents inadvertent disassembly, and ensures a long and reliable operational life by securely locking the mounting head and wiper arm in the shipping position.
Implementation Method 1
a spring operably attached to the mounting head and 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 prevent the mounting head and the wiper arm from rotating back toward the disassembled position
Data Source
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.