Wiper Blade Adapter Cap for Secure Low-Complexity Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blade connecting elements face challenges in secure attachment, durability, and design aesthetics, particularly in the interaction between the wiper blade and wiper arm, where existing solutions lack robustness and harmonious integration.
Innovation Solution
A plastic adapter cap with clips on its inner sides that engage with recesses on the wiper blade's side parts, providing a robust and secure connection while also protecting the connecting element from external influences and enhancing the design, featuring a hub or hinge pin for additional stability and a side lock mechanism for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a complex metal connecting element with multiple components is used, then the connection strength and stability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single plastic adapter cap component. The adapter cap integrates the protective cover, the hub for hinge pin reception, and the attachment mechanism for the wiper blade, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate metal components. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining connection strength through the unified structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter cap serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the connecting element from external influences, provides a hub for the hinge bolt or hinge pin, and secures the wiper blade to the wiper arm. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining robust connection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional protective components and covering structures are added, then the protection from external influences is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover function is merged into the adapter cap itself. The adapter cap is designed as a covering structure that encloses and protects the connecting element from external influences while simultaneously serving as the functional hub and mounting interface. This integration eliminates the need for separate protective covers, reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter cap is designed as a multi-functional component that provides protection, structural support, and mounting capabilities in a single element. By making the protective structure also serve as the functional interface for the hinge pin and wiper blade attachment, the design avoids additional complexity from separate protective components.
3Reliability
If traditional metal connecting elements with multiple assembly steps are used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the assembly time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is segmented into modular components: the base element with longitudinal grooves for spring rails, and the adapter cap that attaches to the base element. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly where the adapter cap can be quickly clipped onto the pre-assembled base element, reducing overall assembly time while maintaining connection reliability through the designed interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The base element is prepared in advance with longitudinal grooves and positioning features that guide the adapter cap during assembly. The adapter cap is designed with corresponding features that align with these pre-prepared elements, enabling rapid and reliable assembly without complex alignment procedures or multiple assembly steps.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a wiper blade (10) comprising a connecting element (26), which comprises a base element (28) and a hinge element (68), wherein the base element (28) has a first side part (30) and a second side part (32), which are joined transversely to a longitudinal direction (40) by locking means (54, 56) and centering means (46, 48, 50, 52) interlocking, and which are held together by side walls (72) of the hinge element (68). It is proposed that the hinge element (68) is an adapter cap (68) made of plastic which comprises on the insides of the side walls (72) thereof clips (86), which in the installed state engage in recesses (66) on the outer longitudinal sides of the side parts (30, 32).