Wiper Blade Bridge Unit Positive Locking Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blade devices with spring rails and bridge units face challenges in maintaining a defined distance and securing the rails against rotation and displacement, leading to unreliable and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
The wiper blade device incorporates positive-locking elements and form-fitting connections between spring rails and bridge units, utilizing recesses and latching means for secure fixation, with end caps providing additional stability and a non-destructive connection method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If bridge units are used to hold spring rails at a defined distance, then the structural stability is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge unit is divided into multiple functional elements: positive-locking elements for secure attachment, form-fitting elements for precise positioning, and integration with end caps. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate connection elements such as the form-fitting elements and positive-locking elements that mediate between the bridge unit and spring rails. These intermediaries enable reliable connection without requiring complex assembly operations, thus reducing assembly complexity while ensuring structural integrity.
2Reliability
If positive-locking elements are used to secure spring rails against rotation and displacement, then the connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated elements: the end caps are merged with the bridge unit structure, and the positive-locking elements are integrated into the bridge unit. This merging reduces the total number of separate components, simplifying manufacturing processes while ensuring reliable connection against rotation and displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains the defined distance between spring rails, provides positive-locking connection for rotational security, and integrates with end caps for complete fixation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying manufacturing while ensuring connection reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If form-fitting connections are used to fix spring rails precisely, then the positioning precision is improved, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The form-fitting elements are pre-configured with specific geometries that automatically guide the spring rails into the correct position during assembly. This preliminary design of the connection geometry eliminates the need for precise manual alignment, achieving high positioning precision without increasing assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The form-fitting connection is designed to self-align and self-secure the spring rails in the bridge unit. The geometric shapes of the form-fitting elements automatically ensure precise positioning when components are assembled, eliminating the need for additional adjustment operations and reducing assembly time while maintaining high precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wiper blade device with at least two spring rails (12a, 12a'; 12b, 12b'; 12c, 12c'; 12d, 12d'; 12e, 12e') and with at least one bridge unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e) which is at least provided to hold the at least two spring rails (12a, 12a'; 12b, 12b'; 12c, 12c'; 12d, 12d'; 12e, 12e') at a defined distance relative to each other in at least one area along a principal extension direction (16a; 16b; 16c; 16d; 16e). It is proposed that the at least one bridge unit (14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e) has at least two positive locking elements (18a, 18a'; 18b, 18b'; 18c, 18c'; 18d, 18d'; 18e, 18e') which are provided for the production of a direct positive locking connection acting in at least one direction with the at least two spring rails (12a, 12a'; 12b, 12b'; 12c, 12c'; 12d, 12d'; 12e, 12e').