Windscreen Wiper Connecting Device Asymmetric Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen wiper devices of the flat blade type often allow for incorrect mounting of the wiper blade, particularly when a portion is covered, leading to reduced visibility and impaired wiping performance, especially at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
The connecting device features asymmetric sidewalls with protrusions and a guiding groove, ensuring the wiper blade can only be mounted in a predetermined orientation, preventing reverse mounting by using a transverse rib or extension as a stop surface, thus employing a 'poka yoke' construction to secure correct alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the wiper blade is covered over a portion of its length to ensure invisibility from the outside, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the mounting orientation becomes ambiguous allowing reverse installation
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is designed with asymmetric features including a transverse rib on one sidewall and corresponding asymmetric protrusions and recesses. This asymmetry creates a unique geometric configuration that only permits correct orientation during installation, eliminating the possibility of reverse mounting while maintaining the covered aesthetic appearance
2Ease of operation
If the wiper blade is mounted in reverse manner, then the cover interferes with the oscillating arm, but the mounting process becomes simpler without orientation guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric connecting device with its specific arrangement of protrusions, recesses, and transverse rib creates a mechanical constraint that prevents reverse mounting before the wiper blade is fully installed. This preliminary prevention ensures that only the correct orientation is achievable, guaranteeing proper wiping performance while maintaining ease of installation through obvious geometric guidance
3Ease of manufacture
If the connecting device is made symmetric, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the wiper blade can be mounted in either orientation causing functional issues
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device incorporates asymmetric features including a transverse rib on one sidewall and corresponding asymmetric protrusions and recesses that engage with the oscillating arm. This asymmetric design ensures that only the correct orientation is mechanically possible, guaranteeing reliable wiping performance. The asymmetry is integrated into the manufacturing process rather than added as a separate step, maintaining ease of manufacture
Data Source
AI summary
The wiper device includes a carrier element and a wiper blade with at least one longitudinal groove, in which groove the carrier element is disposed. The wiper device also includes a connecting device for pivotally connecting the wiper blade with an oscillating arm. The connecting device has spaced-apart sidewalls, each with a protrusion that extends sidewardly and outwardly. The connecting device and oscillating arm are interconnected by the protrusions pivotally and snappingly engaging into correspondingly shaped recesses of the oscillating arm. The oscillating arm has a guiding tongue engaging into a guiding groove of the connecting device. The connecting device has an asymmetric form with respect to its middle transverse plane, seen in vertical direction, in order to ensure that the wiper blade can only be mounted on the oscillating arm in a predetermined orientation of the wiper blade relative to the oscillating arm.