Flat Wiper Blade Arm Snap Assembly for Lower Part Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen wiper devices for vehicles are complex and costly to manufacture, requiring multiple specialized parts and machinery, which increases production expenses and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A windscreen wiper device featuring a resilient, strip-shaped arm that connects directly to a mounting head and wiper blade through snapping operations, allowing for adjustable length and elasticity to fit various vehicles, reducing part count and using a bayonet-connection for easy assembly and disassembly, thus minimizing the need for complex machinery and tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional windscreen wiper arm members are used with U-shaped cross-section and multiple specialized parts, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper arm is segmented into modular components: a strip-shaped arm member, a mounting head, and a connecting device. These segments can be independently manufactured and assembled through snapping operations, reducing overall complexity while maintaining structural integrity through the resilient material properties of each segment
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting head and connecting device are designed as universal components that can accommodate different types of strip-shaped arms with varying lengths and resiliency characteristics. This multi-functionality allows a single mounting head design to work with multiple arm configurations, reducing the need for specialized parts for different vehicle types
2Reliability
If multiple specialized parts with dedicated shapes are used in the wiper arm, then the functional performance is improved, but the manufacturing cost and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting head and connecting device are merged into universal components that perform multiple functions. The mounting head both attaches to the vehicle and connects to the arm, while the connecting device both joins the arm to the blade and provides adjustment capabilities. This merging reduces part count and manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating specialized parts for different functions, the invention changes parameters of a single arm member (length, resiliency/elasticity) to achieve different functional outcomes. The resilient material properties and geometric parameters of the strip-shaped arm are varied to provide both structural support and wiping force, eliminating the need for multiple specialized components
3Ease of manufacture
If a resilient strip-shaped arm is used to exert pressure on the wiper blade, then the ease of manufacture and part count are improved, but the control precision over wiping force may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient arm's material properties (resiliency/elasticity) and geometric parameters (cross-section, length) are carefully selected and controlled during manufacturing to provide consistent and appropriate wiping force. The extrusion process allows precise control of the arm's cross-sectional geometry, ensuring reliable force transmission to the wiper blade
Solution Approach 2:
The strip-shaped arm features varying local properties along its length, with different cross-sectional geometries or material densities in different zones. This allows the arm to provide both flexibility for easy assembly and sufficient rigidity for controlled wiping force, achieving both ease of manufacture and force control precision
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 solution provides a cost-effective, lightweight, and flexible windscreen wiper device that can fit different vehicles, reducing wear and manufacturing costs while maintaining effective wiping performance by utilizing a resilient arm to press the wiper blade onto the windscreen.
Implementation Method 1
said arm made of a resilient material is biased in order to exert a pressure onto said wiper blade towards said windscreen to be wiped
Data Source
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AI summary
A windscreen wiper device, particularly for automobiles, comprising an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade is of the flat blade type and includes at least one groove, in which groove an elastic, elongated carrier element is disposed, wherein said windscreen wiper device further comprises a mounting head for transferring a reciprocal movement to said wiper blade, with the special feature that said windscreen wiper device further comprises a longitudinal strip-shaped arm, wherein said arm near a first end thereof is directly and detachably connected to said mounting head through a snapping operation and near a second end thereof is directly and detachably connected to a connecting device of said wiper blade through a snapping operation, and wherein said arm made of a resilient material is biased in order to exert a pressure onto said wiper blade towards said windscreen to be wiped.