Wiper Arm Washer Nozzle Layout for Easier Assembly Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wiper arm designs require complex assembly due to the need for multiple small parts and orthogonal flow paths, leading to increased complexity and potential leakage issues with washer fluid.

Innovation Solution

A wiper arm design featuring a washer nozzle with intersecting flow paths that can be molded using a single mold, incorporating a large closing member to seal the flow path opening, reducing the number of small parts and simplifying assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a connection flow path is provided orthogonally between upstream and downstream flow paths, then fluid distribution is achieved, but the number of parts increases and assembly workability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidassembly workability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the closing member to simultaneously seal both the upstream flow path and downstream flow path openings. By combining multiple sealing functions into a single component, the design eliminates the need for separate lid members for each flow path, thereby reducing part quantity and simplifying assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The closing member is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both sealing of the upstream flow path and sealing of the downstream flow path. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized parts, improving assembly workability while maintaining proper fluid distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple lid members are mounted on flow path ends, then fluid leakage is prevented, but small parts management becomes complex and assembly workability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid leakage preventionVSAvoidparts management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple sealing functions that would require separate lid members are merged into a single closing member. This integration maintains reliable fluid leakage prevention while eliminating the complexity of managing multiple small parts during assembly and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the sealing function from multiple separate components and consolidates it into one closing member. This extraction and consolidation approach maintains the necessary reliability for preventing fluid leakage while significantly reducing parts management complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If orthogonal connection flow paths are used, then fluid routing is achieved, but the number of components increases and assembly workability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly workabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closing member combines multiple sealing functions into one component, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining the orthogonal flow path configuration. This merging approach improves assembly workability by reducing component count without compromising the fluid routing design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4005682B1Wiper arm
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 MITSUBA CORP
  • EP4005682B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4005682B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4005682B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention improves assembly workability. A washer nozzle 160 comprises a first flow path FP1 that extends in the longitudinal direction of an arm piece 150, a second flow path FP2 that is connected to the downstream side of the first flow path FP1 and that extends in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the arm piece 150, an upstream opening 163d that opens the first flow path FP1 and the second flow path FP2 toward one side of the arm piece 150 in the longitudinal direction, and a blocking member 167 that is provided with a joint section 167b to which a washer tube is connected and that blocks the upstream opening 163d. Because the first and second flow paths FP1, FP2 are opened in the same direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the arm piece 150, the first and second flow paths FP1, FP2 can be formed from a single mold. The upstream opening 163d can be blocked with the comparatively large blocking member 167 that has the joint section 167b, eliminating the need for detailed parts management and improving assembly workability.