Wiper Blade Clip Structure to Prevent Accidental Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wiper blades can inadvertently detach from the wiper arm due to the elastically deformable fitting projection, which may be pushed out of the through hole by external forces, or when the fitting is not fully engaged, leading to detachment during vehicle travel or washing.
Innovation Solution
A wiper blade design featuring a clip with an upward-projecting fitting projection that is not elastically deformable vertically, combined with a flexible side wall that can deform laterally, and an engaging portion to restrict vertical and longitudinal displacement, allowing secure attachment and detachment through elastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fitting projection is made elastically deformable in the vertical direction to facilitate attachment and detachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as the fitting projection may inadvertently detach from the through hole under external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting structure is divided into two independent functional components: the fitting projection (made rigid and non-elastically deformable) for longitudinal positioning and secure attachment, and the flexible side wall (elastically deformable) for facilitating attachment and detachment operations. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the clip are given different mechanical properties: the fitting projection is made rigid (non-elastically deformable) to ensure secure attachment and prevent inadvertent detachment, while the side wall is made flexible (elastically deformable) to ease the attachment and detachment operations. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the fitting projection is made rigid and not elastically deformable in the vertical direction to prevent inadvertent detachment, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as attachment and detachment become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting structure is divided into two independent functional components: the fitting projection (made rigid and non-elastically deformable) for longitudinal positioning and secure attachment, and the flexible side wall (elastically deformable) for facilitating attachment and detachment operations. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the clip are given different mechanical properties: the fitting projection is made rigid (non-elastically deformable) to ensure secure attachment and prevent inadvertent detachment, while the side wall is made flexible (elastically deformable) to ease the attachment and detachment operations. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the fitting projection is not completely fitted into the through hole to allow movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as the wiper blade may become detached during vehicle travel
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting structure is divided into two independent functional components: the fitting projection (made rigid and non-elastically deformable) for longitudinal positioning and secure attachment, and the flexible side wall (elastically deformable) for facilitating attachment and detachment operations. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the clip are given different mechanical properties: the fitting projection is made rigid (non-elastically deformable) to ensure secure attachment and prevent inadvertent detachment, while the side wall is made flexible (elastically deformable) to ease the attachment and detachment operations. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
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 design prevents inadvertent detachment of the wiper blade by restricting vertical and longitudinal movement, ensuring secure attachment and easy detachment when needed, while accommodating different wiper arm widths and vehicle types.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible side wall is arranged on at least one part of the side wall and is elastically deformable in a lateral direction
Implementation Method 2
The fitting projection projects upward from the upper wall, is fitted into the through hole, and is not elastically deformable in a vertical direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
This wiper blade comprises a clip (40) and a blade body (60). The clip (40) is fixed to a wiper arm (20). The wiper arm (20) has an upper plate part (21), a lateral plate part (22) extending downward from both sides of the upper plate part in the width direction, a claw part (23) extending inward in the width direction from the lower end of the lateral plate part, and a through-hole (24) provided in the upper plate part. The blade body has a blade rubber, and a connecting part that is fixed to the blade rubber and is connected so as to be turnable relative to the clip. The clip has an upper wall (41), a lateral wall (42), an engaging projection (43), a flexible lateral wall (44), and an engaging part (45). The lateral wall extends downward from both sides of the upper wall in the width direction. The engaging projection protrudes upward from the upper wall and cannot be elastically deformed in the vertical direction in which the engaging projection engages the through-hole. The flexible lateral wall is provided to at least a portion of the lateral wall and can be elastically deformed in the width direction. The engaging part is provided to the flexible lateral wall and can engage with the upper surface of the claw part.