Windscreen Wiper Blade Axial Insertion Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield wiper assembly methods require lateral, elastic latching elements that are prone to damage and make the assembly process more time-consuming and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
A central connecting part with axial insertion and a solid, rotatable connection is used, eliminating lateral spring tongues and relying on a spring tongue in the top wall for longitudinal locking, ensuring a secure and efficient assembly without lateral elastic elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lateral spring tongues are used for locking the wiper blade to the wiper arm, then the connection is secure, but the assembly process becomes more time-consuming and the locking elements are prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lateral spring tongues from the connecting element and replaces them with a simplified structure. The connecting element now only has a single spring tongue at its front end for longitudinal locking, eliminating the lateral locking mechanism that caused assembly difficulties and damage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the locking function into separate components: the wiper arm end has integrated locking edges formed by its U-shaped construction, while the connecting element only provides longitudinal locking via a single spring tongue. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without the complexity of combined lateral and longitudinal spring mechanisms.
2Reliability
If lateral spring tongues are used for locking, then the wiper blade is secured against detachment, but the locking elements are subject to regular stress and potential damage during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lateral spring tongue mechanism from the connecting element, eliminating the source of stress and potential damage. The lateral securing function is instead provided by the rigid U-shaped construction of the wiper arm end with its integrated locking edges.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using elastic spring tongues on the connecting element for lateral locking, the patent inverts the approach by using the rigid U-shaped wiper arm end with integrated locking edges to provide lateral securing. This reverses which component performs the lateral locking function, transferring it from the fragile spring element to the robust arm structure.
3Reliability
If precise vertical alignment is required for simultaneous engagement of locking mechanisms, then the connection is secure, but the assembly process becomes more complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for precise vertical alignment by eliminating the lateral spring tongue engagement mechanism. The connecting element is now only locked longitudinally by the spring tongue engaging the opening in the wiper arm end, and laterally secured by the rigid U-shaped construction with integrated locking edges, allowing for more tolerant assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped construction of the wiper arm end with pre-formed locking edges is prepared in advance during manufacturing, so that during assembly the connecting element simply needs to be inserted without requiring precise alignment. The locking edges are already positioned to engage with the connecting element's geometry.
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 allows for a quick, easy, and secure connection of the wiper blade to the wiper arm, reducing the risk of damage and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining positional stability.
Implementation Method 1
an opening is provided in the top wall of the wiper arm end... a spring tongue formed on the top of the connecting piece, which engages with a button molded into the opening in the end wall of the wiper arm
Implementation Method 2
the wiper arm end is snapped vertically onto a connecting piece that is pivotally attached to the wiper blade. For this purpose, the connecting piece has laterally angled, outwardly projecting spring tongues. When the wiper arm end is attached, these tongues are initially pressed laterally inwards by the ridges of the wiper arm end before finally snapping into place behind or locking into the ridges in the final assembly position.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~5c
AI summary
The wiper has a flat wiper blade including a connecting part (9) insertable and retractable into an open front side of a wiper arm end below a mounting angle in a longitudinal direction for assembling the blade with a wiper arm. The angle is formed between longitudinal axes of the connecting part and the wiper arm. The connecting part with slide rails (18) is slidably mounted on both guide rails inside the wiper arm end. The connecting part is retracted such that a flexible tongue (11) engages into a quadratic opening. The slide rails outwardly point at side walls (17).