Wiper Blade Connecting Element Adapter Cap Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blade connecting elements face challenges in securely attaching to wiper arms while maintaining design harmony and protection from external influences, with a need for robust and efficient assembly methods.
Innovation Solution
A plastic adapter cap with clips that engages with recesses on the side parts, providing a robust clip connection, protecting the connecting element, and serving as a hub to secure the wiper blade to the wiper arm, featuring a side lock principle and pressure web for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex sheet-metal claw with tabs and lateral cams is used to hold side parts together, then the connection robustness is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical sheet-metal claw system with a chemical bonding approach. The side parts are designed with integrally formed connection elements that extend into the adhesive layer, creating a mechanically interlocked adhesive bond. This substitution eliminates the need for complex metal claws, tabs, and lateral cams while maintaining connection robustness through the combination of adhesive bonding and mechanical interlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate components into a single integrated structure. The connection elements are integrally formed with the side parts, combining the functions of structural support, alignment, and adhesive bonding into one unified component. This merging reduces device complexity by eliminating separate sheet-metal claws and tabs while maintaining the robust connection through the integrated design.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used to ensure secure attachment, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components into integrally formed side parts with built-in connection elements. The connection elements are molded as part of the side parts, eliminating the need for separate sheet-metal claws, tabs, and alignment features. This integration maintains attachment security through the interlocked adhesive bond while dramatically simplifying manufacture and assembly to a single-step adhesive bonding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical assembly systems with a simplified adhesive bonding process. The integrally formed connection elements work together with the adhesive layer to create secure attachments without requiring separate mechanical fasteners or multi-step assembly procedures. This substitution improves ease of manufacture while maintaining reliable attachment through the combined adhesive-mechanical bonding system.
3Shape
If traditional connecting elements are used without protective covering, then the structural functionality is maintained, but the design aesthetics and protection from external influences deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the side parts to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The integrally formed connection elements not only provide structural support and alignment but also create a platform for adhesive bonding. This multi-functionality allows the same components to ensure structural integrity, enable secure attachment, and provide a clean aesthetic appearance without requiring additional protective coverings.
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).