Wiper Arm Rotation Restricting Member Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wiper arms require complex structures or multiple head cover types to restrict rotation, leading to increased manufacturing costs and user inconvenience, especially when used in environments where the locked back condition is not necessary.
Innovation Solution
A wiper arm design featuring a rotation restricting member pivotally connected to the arm head, allowing selective positioning between a rotation restricting and permitting position, which restricts the arm main body's rotation within a predetermined angle without requiring significant structural changes, enabling easy adaptation to different operating environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stopper wall is formed as an integral part of the head cover to restrict rotation, then the rotation angle is restricted to prevent damage, but the head cover must be detached when locked back condition is needed, causing user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation restricting member is designed to be movable between a rotation restricting position (where it contacts the arm main body to limit rotation) and a rotation permitting position (where it is retracted and does not contact the arm main body). This dynamic positioning allows the system to switch between protecting against damage and enabling full rotation for locked back operation, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a rotation restricting member is added to prevent damage, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation restricting member serves multiple functions: it restricts rotation to prevent damage, it can be moved to permit full rotation when needed, and it integrates with the existing head cover structure. By making the restricting member itself movable rather than adding a separate complex mechanism, the design achieves rotation restriction with minimal increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation restriction function is separated from the head cover structure by using a distinct, movable rotation restricting member. This segmentation allows the restriction mechanism to be independently positioned and moved between restricting and permitting states, providing a simple way to add rotation protection without permanently complicating the head cover design.
3Reliability
If different head cover types are used for different markets, then the rotation restriction requirement is met, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of producing different head cover types for different markets, the invention uses a single head cover design with a movable rotation restricting member. The member can be positioned in restricting or permitting mode as needed, allowing the same product to serve both markets (those requiring rotation restriction and those requiring locked back capability) without increasing manufacturing complexity or cost.
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
This design effectively prevents damage from unintentional movement into the locked back condition while allowing flexible operation by simply rotating the restricting member, reducing manufacturing costs and user inconvenience by allowing the wiper arm to be used with or without rotation restriction.
Implementation Method 1
a rotation restricting member pivotally connected to the arm head through a pivot shaft, the rotation restricting member being pivotable around the pivot shaft to be selectively positioned between a rotation restricting position and a rotation permitting position
Implementation Method 2
a return spring disposed between the arm head and the retainer... the return spring functions to pull back the retainer to its operational position... the return spring functions to pull back the retainer to its upright position
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A wiper arm including an arm main body pivotably connected to an arm head is provided in which the rotation angle of the arm main body is appropriately restricted while minimizing changes of the structure of the wiper arm from that of a wiper arm capable capable to be positioned in its locked back condition. A wiper arm 1 includes a retainer 3 capable of retaining a wiper blade, an arm head body 2 connected with the retainer 3 through a connection shaft 14 so that the retainer 3 is rotatable between an operational position and an upright position, and a rotation restricting member 30 pivotally connected through pivot shafts 16 provided on inner surfaces 12A of head arm sections 12 of the arm head body 2. The rotation restricting member 30 is pivotable around the pivot shaft 16 between a rotation restricting position and a rotation permitting position. In the rotation restriction position, the rotation restricting member 30 limits the rotation angle of the retainer 3 by contacting against the retainer 3. In the rotation permitting position, the rotation restricting member 30 does not restrict the rotation angle of the retainer 3.