Windshield Wiper Blade Adapter Sealing and Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield wiper blade connection devices experience increased friction and corrosion due to metal components, leading to water intrusion and overspray issues during operation.
Innovation Solution
A filler piece is integrated into the connecting element to prevent wind-driven spray and rainwater from entering the device, with a bulkhead and sealing design that deflects water away from the wiper blade, ensuring a drip-free window.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal connecting elements are used for the articulated connection, then structural strength and durability are improved, but friction increases and corrosion protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A plastic adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the metal connecting element and the wiper blade support. The adapter includes a bearing pin that rotates within the metal connecting element, while the adapter itself connects to the wiper blade. This intermediary plastic component prevents direct metal-to-metal contact during rotation, thereby reducing friction and protecting against corrosion while maintaining structural strength.
2Strength
If metal connecting elements are used for the articulated connection, then structural strength is improved, but friction losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic adapter serves as a mediator that reduces friction losses. The bearing pin is rotationally fixed in the metal connecting element, while the adapter can pivot relative to the bearing pin. This design ensures that during the wiping process, the plastic adapter rotates within the metal bearing pin rather than metal components sliding against each other, significantly reducing friction and energy loss.
3Ease of manufacture
If gaps and cavities are present in the connecting device, then ease of manufacture is improved, but water intrusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic adapter is designed to encompass and cover the metal connecting element, transforming the harmful effect of exposed metal surfaces and gaps into a beneficial sealed structure. The adapter's geometry is designed to fit tightly around the connecting element, and the latching means create a secure connection that prevents water and spray from penetrating into the internal cavities and gaps of the connecting device.
4Reliability
If the adapter is tightly fitted to prevent water intrusion, then corrosion resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the bearing surface for rotation, encompasses the metal connecting element to prevent water intrusion, and includes latching means for secure attachment. By merging these functions into one plastic adapter rather than using separate components for each function, the design achieves good corrosion resistance without excessive complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (20) for connecting a wiper blade (12) to a wiper arm (10) of a windshield wiper in an articulated manner, which comprises a joining element (38), which is joined in a fixed manner to the wiper arm (10), and a connecting element (22), which is joined in a fixed manner to a supporting element (16) of the wiper blade (12) and on which a plastic adapter (30) is pivotally mounted. The adapter (30) is fixed in the profile of the joining element (38), said profile being open toward the connecting element (22), by means of fastening means (34, 40). The invention provides that a filler piece (44) is placed in the joining element (38) on the side facing the wiper arm (10) following the adapter (30). Said filler piece rests tightly against the inside walls of the joining element (38) and against the adjacent face of the adapter (30).