Wiper Arm Torsion Spring Nesting for Height Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper arm designs have a large overall height due to the protrusion of spiral springs, which is not efficiently managed by current technologies.
Innovation Solution
The wiper arm incorporates a torsion spring arranged within a joint formed by an articulated and lever part, where the torsion spring is embedded between U-shaped side elements, reducing overall height by creating a compressive force and allowing for a pivoting movement while being compactly integrated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a spiral spring is used in the wiper arm, then the wiper arm can provide the necessary force for lever movement, but the overall height of the wiper arm increases due to spring protrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion spring is nested within the joint part structure, specifically positioned between the articulated part and lever part. The spring is arranged radially inward relative to the joint axis, allowing it to be contained within the existing structural envelope rather than protruding outward. This nesting approach eliminates the need for additional space in the height direction while maintaining the spring's functional integrity for providing torque to the lever part.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arrangement transitions from a vertical/protruding configuration to a radial/in-plane configuration. Instead of the spring extending in the height direction (z-axis), it is positioned in the radial direction (r-axis) within the joint part, utilizing the planar space between the articulated part and lever part. This dimensional reorientation allows the spring to provide necessary force while maintaining a compact overall height.
2Length of stationary object
If the torsion spring is arranged within the joint part, then the overall height is reduced, but the installation space becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The joint part is segmented into distinct functional zones: the articulated part, the lever part, and the intermediate space between them. The torsion spring is specifically positioned in this intermediate zone, utilizing the gap that naturally exists between the articulated part and lever part. This segmentation allows the spring to be installed in the available radial space without requiring additional vertical clearance, effectively using otherwise wasted space in the joint mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint part structure is designed with locally optimized features to accommodate the spring, including specific mounting surfaces and attachment points on the articulated part and lever part. The spring is positioned at a specific radial location where sufficient clearance exists between moving components, utilizing the non-uniform distribution of space within the joint mechanism to find an optimal installation position that maintains both compact height and adequate spring clearance.
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 reduces the overall height of the wiper arm while maintaining functionality, allowing for efficient operation and reduced installation space, with the torsion spring providing the necessary force for the lever's movement and prestressing the disk.
Implementation Method 1
The lever part can be tilted from this position. It is tilted in the direction of the joint part. The lever part performs a pivoting movement away from the disk. In the position on the disc, the lever part is held and prestressed by a spring.
Implementation Method 2
The spring is designed as a torsion spring so that the overall height can be effectively reduced. The torsion spring is arranged in the area of the joint.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wiper arm and a windscreen wiper system, wherein the wiper arm comprises a joint part and a lever part and a spring, wherein the parts form a common joint. The spring is embodied here as a torsion spring.