Wiper Blade Arm Coupling Concealing Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wiper blade and wiper arm connecting structures expose locking portions, detracting from the aesthetic appearance, especially when a resin locking portion is visible outside a metallic coupling portion, making the connection conspicuous.
Innovation Solution
The connecting structure features a locking portion integrated into the coupling portion's design, allowing the locking piece to be elastically deformed and fitted into a recessed area, ensuring the locking mechanism is concealed from the external surface, improving aesthetics and facilitating smooth installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a conventional slot-type connecting structure is used with a locking portion exposed from the fitting hole, then the connecting structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the aesthetic appearance of the wiper assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion is nested within the coupling portion by providing a locking recess inside the coupling portion, allowing the locking portion to be fitted into the locking recess and concealed from the external surface, thus improving aesthetic appearance while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is moved from the external surface to the internal dimension of the coupling portion. The locking recess is provided inside the coupling portion rather than on its external surface, transferring the locking function to an internal space and eliminating visual exposure of the locking portion
2Shape
If the locking portion is concealed within the coupling portion, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the locking mechanism requires elastic deformation of the locking piece for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking piece is designed with elastic deformability, allowing it to dynamically change shape during installation. The locking piece can be elastically deformed to enable the locking portion to be fitted into the locking recess, and then returns to its original shape to secure the connection, facilitating smooth installation while maintaining concealed locking
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the locking piece is changed by introducing elastic deformability. This parameter change allows the locking piece to temporarily alter its dimensions during installation to accommodate the locking portion within the locking recess, then maintains a stable locked state afterward
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 solution enhances the aesthetic appearance by hiding the locking mechanism and stabilizes the locking process, ensuring a flush and integrated look during connection, while allowing efficient assembly of the wiper blade and wiper arm.
Implementation Method 1
the locking recess portion is provided on the elastically deformable locking piece (for example, a locking piece 40). With this feature, when the connecting portion is installed into the coupling portion, the locking piece can be deflected so that the locking portion can be smoothly fitted into the locking recess portion
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a wiper blade and wiper arm connecting structure in which a wiper blade is connected to a wiper arm by fitting a connecting portion of the wiper blade into a coupling portion of the wiper arm, which improves the aesthetic appearance of a portion where the wiper blade is connected to the wiper arm. In a wiper blade and wiper arm connecting structure, a wiper blade 1 is connected to a wiper arm 2 by fitting a clip 13 of the wiper blade 1 into a coupling portion 21 of the wiper arm 2. The coupling portion 21 includes an opening 24 through which the clip 13 is introduced into the coupling portion 21. A locking portion 26 engaging with a locking recess portion 44 on a locking piece 40 of the clip 13 is provided at a distal end 22A (an edge portion of the opening 24) of a top wall 22 of the coupling portion 21.