Windscreen Wiper Arm Snapping Nozzle Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen wiper arms require complete disassembly and replacement for maintenance or nozzle replacement, which is inconvenient and costly, especially when only the washing nozzles need repair or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A windscreen wiper arm design featuring a snapping connection between the washing nozzle and arm member using mutually cooperating protrusion/hole means, with a U-shaped cross-section and stamped protrusions for secure detachment and reconnection, allowing for easy maintenance without dismounting the entire arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the washing nozzle is integrated into the adapter as in prior art, then the structure is compact, but the entire windscreen wiper arm must be dismounted for maintenance of the washing nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The washing nozzle is separated from the adapter assembly and made as an independent detachable component. This segmentation allows the washing nozzle to be maintained or replaced independently without dismounting the entire windscreen wiper arm, while the snapping connection provides a simple yet effective attachment mechanism that does not significantly increase overall device complexity.
2Ease of repair
If the washing nozzle is made detachable with snapping connection, then maintenance is easier, but additional constructional parts and materials are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion elements for the snapping connection are integrated directly into the arm member structure and formed by stamping out the material, rather than being separate components. This merging approach enables easy detachable connection for maintenance while minimizing additional raw material usage, as the connection features are created by modifying the existing arm member geometry through stamping.
3Ease of manufacture
If protrusions are stamped out of the arm member material, then manufacturing is simpler and fewer parts are needed, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The arm member is designed with a U-shaped cross-section that provides inherent structural strength, and the protrusions are strategically positioned and dimensioned to maintain adequate structural integrity while enabling the snapping connection functionality. The local geometry at the protrusion locations is optimized to balance manufacturing simplicity with sufficient strength for the application.
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
Enables maintenance and replacement of washing nozzles without disassembling the entire windscreen wiper arm, reducing costs and complexity, while using fewer constructional parts and minimizing raw material usage.
Implementation Method 1
a wall of said washing nozzle surrounding said recess is resilient so that said wall is able to pivot about a hinge axis for snappingly connecting said washing nozzle to said arm member
Data Source
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AI summary
A windscreen wiper arm (8), particularly for automobiles, comprising a mounting head (18) on a drive shaft, an arm member (20) pivotally connected to said mounting head (18), and at least one washing nozzle (32) connected to a supply of a washing medium, wherein said washing nozzle (32) is provided on said arm member (20) near the location of its connection to a wiper blade (2), with the special feature that said washing nozzle is connected to said arm member (20) through a snapping operation.