Wiper Blade Adapter With Spring Arms And Closure Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blade connection systems lack a secure and versatile method to attach different wiper arms to wiper blades, particularly for flat beam constructions, with existing adapters being limited in their ability to securely connect various wiper arm types and withstand impact loads.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped adapter with spring arms and a closure cap system that securely locks wiper arms and connecting elements, featuring play compensation mechanisms and detent edges to ensure stable attachment and minimize lateral play, allowing for secure connection of multiple wiper arm types and withstanding impact loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closure cap system with spring arms and buttons is used to secure the adapter, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into modular components: a base element with U-shaped cross-section, a closure cap, spring arms with buttons, and longitudinal bars. Each component performs a specific function in the securing process, allowing the complex securing mechanism to be built from simpler, standardized parts that can be manufactured and assembled independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arms are pre-formed on the side walls of the base element, and the closure cap is designed with predetermined cutouts and receiving chambers. These preliminary structural preparations enable the quick and reliable latching action when the closure cap is closed, without requiring additional assembly steps or complex mechanisms during operation.
2Reliability
If longitudinal bars are used to block assembly gaps when closed, then the loss-proof connection is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal bars are positioned specifically within the assembly gaps at critical locations where loss-proof connection is needed. The bars are integrated into the closure cap structure, and their placement is optimized to block the assembly gaps only when the closure cap is in the closed position, providing localized security without requiring high precision throughout the entire adapter structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving chambers are designed to accommodate the locking cams of the connecting elements before final closure. This preliminary accommodation ensures that the connecting elements are properly positioned and guided into place, reducing the precision requirements for the final closing action and ensuring reliable locking without excessive manufacturing tolerances.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the adapter is designed to accommodate multiple wiper arm types, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter base element with its U-shaped cross-section and standardized closure cap system serves as a universal mounting interface that can accommodate multiple types of connecting elements. The closure mechanism with spring arms and buttons provides a standardized securing method that works with different wiper arm types (hook-shaped, lateral bearing pin, bridge), eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapters.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the wiper blade and various wiper arm types. The base element with U-shaped cross-section provides a standardized interface on one side, while the closure cap system provides a versatile securing mechanism on the other side, mediating between different connection standards and enabling compatibility across multiple wiper arm designs.
4Manufacturing precision
If play compensation mechanisms are added to minimize lateral play, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The play compensation function is merged into the existing closure cap and spring arm mechanism. The spring arms provide both the securing function and the play compensation function through their elastic deformation. When the closure cap is closed, the spring arms flex to accommodate minor misalignments and play in the connecting elements, eliminating the need for separate play compensation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arms are designed with elastic properties that allow them to dynamically adapt to variations in the connecting elements. The spring arms can flex and deform elastically to compensate for play and misalignment, providing automatic play compensation without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms or high precision manufacturing.
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
The adapter provides a secure, loss-proof connection for various wiper arm types, minimizing play and ensuring reliable attachment, while the play compensation mechanisms enhance assembly precision and impact resistance.
Implementation Method 1
Spring arms are integrally formed on the side walls of the base element, which spring arms extend in the longitudinal direction, engage into the closure cap and latch with buttons into cutouts which are provided in the side walls of said closure cap
Implementation Method 2
In the closed state, when the buttons are latched in the cutouts of the side walls of said closure cap, the bars block transversely running assembly gaps and thereby close off receiving chambers for locking cams
Implementation Method 3
When the locking cams are situated in the receiving chambers, the closure cap is closed, wherein the bars block the assembly gaps above said receiving chambers so that the locking cams can no longer release from said receiving chambers
Implementation Method 4
the cutouts have in each case a detent on one of the edges thereof, which locks with a detent edge on the free end of the bars and only releases said detent edge when an elevated releasing force occurs in the longitudinal direction of the bars
Implementation Method 5
play compensation mechanisms and detent edges to ensure stable attachment and minimize lateral play
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is based on an adapter (16) for connecting a connecting element (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40) at the end of a wiper arm (18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28) to a wiper blade (10) in particular of flat beam construction, wherein the adapter (16) has a base element (42). It is proposed that the base element (42) have a U-shaped cross-sectional profile which is formed from a base (56) and two side walls (48) and which, at that end side thereof which faces away from the wiper arm (18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28), is closed off by a closure cap (44), that spring arms (68) be integrally formed on the side walls (48) of the base element (42), which spring arms (68) extend in the longitudinal direction (124) toward the closure cap (44), engage into the latter and latch with buttons (70) into cutouts (84) which are provided in side walls (82) of the closure cap (44), and in that longitudinally directed bars (78) are arranged on the inner sides of the side walls (82) of the closure cap (44), which bars (78) are guided in a movable manner in cutouts (60) of the side walls (48) of the base element (42) when the buttons (70) are released, and which bars, in the closed state, block transversely running assembly gaps (62) and close off receiving chambers (66) for locking cams (104, 120).