Windshield Wiper Arm Assembly With Recessed Latch Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing assembly structure of a windshield wiper driving arm and accessory piece is prone to accidental disengagement due to the resilience button protruding, leading to an insecure connection.
Innovation Solution
The assembly structure incorporates a stepped surface with a front latching segment and arc segments on the accessory piece, along with a latching block and limiting slot on the wiper driving arm, ensuring the latching block is non-protruding and securely engaged, and includes a guiding slope and blocking ribs to prevent accidental disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a resilience button is used to connect the wiper driving arm and accessory piece, then the connection is simple and easy to assemble, but the button protrudes from the surface making it easy to accidentally contact and disengage
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient button is extracted from the protruding state and recessed into the accessory piece body. The button is now located inside a recessed cavity rather than protruding outward, eliminating the hazard of accidental contact while maintaining the simple snap-fit assembly mechanism. The button remains accessible for assembly but is protected from unintended activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient button is nested within a recessed cavity in the accessory piece. The button is positioned inside the body of the accessory piece rather than extending outward, creating a nested structure where the connection element is contained within the housing. This nested configuration protects the button from accidental contact while preserving its latching function.
2Reliability
If the latching block protrudes from the cover surface to engage the slot, then the engagement is secure, but the protruding structure is vulnerable to accidental contact and disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the latching block protruding outward from the cover to engage the slot, the engagement structure is inverted. The resilient button with its engagement protrusion is now recessed into the accessory piece, and the cover includes a corresponding recessed receiving structure. This inverts the traditional protruding-latch configuration into a recessed-latch configuration, maintaining secure engagement while eliminating vulnerability to accidental contact.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple snap-fit connection is used between the wiper driving arm and accessory piece, then the assembly is easy to manufacture, but the connection may loosen during use
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system incorporates dynamic elements through the resilient button that can elastically deform. The button includes a resilient portion that can compress and expand, allowing the connection to dynamically adapt to assembly variations and operational stresses. This dynamic resilience prevents loosening while maintaining the simplicity of the snap-fit manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism utilizes parameter changes through the elastic deformation of the resilient button. The button's physical state changes between compressed and expanded states during assembly and operation, allowing it to maintain secure engagement. The elastic properties enable the connection to self-adjust and maintain optimal engagement pressure throughout the product lifecycle.
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 improved structure enhances the secure connection between the wiper driving arm and accessory piece, preventing accidental disengagement and ensuring a stable assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The main body includes an elastic arm and a latching block disposed on the top thereof
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This disclosure is an assembly structure of a windshield wiper. An accessory piece (10) includes a main body (11) and a head portion (12). A stepped surface (13) is defined between the head portion (12) and the main body (11). The stepped surface (13) includes a front latching segment (131) and two arc segments (132). The main body (11) includes an elastic arm (111) and a latching block (112) located on the top thereof. The latching block (112) includes a stepped portion (113). A wiper driving arm (20) includes an arm body (21) and a cover (22). The cover (22) includes a top surface (221) and two side walls (222). The top surface (221) abuts against the front latching segment (131), and the two side walls (222) abut against the two arc segments (132) respectively. The latching block (112) is embedded in the limiting slot (23) on the top surface (221). One side of the limiting slot (23) is located in the stepped portion (113) and the latching block (112) is non-protruding from the top surface (221).