Universal Wiper Blade Connecting Device with Protrusions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing windscreen wiper devices lack a universal connection mechanism that allows for easy interchangeability between different wiper blades and oscillating arms, limiting the availability of affordable, non-original wiper blades that can fit original oscillating arms.

Innovation Solution

A universal connecting device with protrusions and co-axial through holes is used, allowing for various types of joint parts to be connected, enabling a snap or bayonet-style attachment that supports multiple interconnection types between the wiper blade and oscillating arm, facilitating the use of cheaper, easily manufactured joint parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a universal connecting device with protrusions and co-axial through holes is used, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different oscillating armsVSAvoidconnection mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is designed as a universal base part with protrusions and co-axial through holes that can accommodate multiple types of joint parts (resilient tongue, bayonet-style, snap-fit). This single connecting device structure serves multiple functions by supporting different interconnection types between the wiper blade and oscillating arm, enabling compatibility with various oscillating arm designs without requiring multiple specialized connecting devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If different types of joint parts are used for different interconnection types, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint part manufacturingVSAvoidvariety of connection components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into two independent segments: a universal connecting device (base part) and interchangeable joint parts. The connecting device remains constant and is fixed to the wiper blade, while different joint parts are designed for specific oscillating arm types. This segmentation allows each joint part to be optimized for its specific function and manufactured independently, simplifying production while maintaining overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a resilient tongue mechanism is used for retention, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation and removalVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient tongue is designed to be dynamically deflectable during installation and removal operations, allowing easy manipulation. However, once the oscillating arm is installed, the tongue assumes a fixed, stable position that provides reliable retention. The dynamic flexibility during operation transitions to static stability during use, achieving both ease of operation and connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution provides a universal connection system that allows for the manufacture of wiper blade and connecting device units compatible with various oscillating arms, enabling car drivers to use affordable, non-original wiper blades with original arms, while ensuring secure retention and easy installation and removal.

Implementation Method 1

said joint part comprises at least one resilient tongue engaging in a correspondingly shaped hole provided in the oscillating arm, wherein said resilient tongue is rotatable along a hinge axis between an outward position retaining the wiper blade onto the oscillating arm and an inward position releasing the wiper blade from the oscillating arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The connecting device is preferably fixedly connected to the longitudinal strips through a welding, brazing ("soldering"), glueing or clamping operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 3

The connecting device is preferably fixedly connected to the longitudinal strips through a welding, brazing ("soldering"), glueing or clamping operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBrazing: Brazing

Data Source

PatentEP1847425B1A windscreen wiper device
Publication Date: 2009.11.25 FEDERAL MOGUL SA
  • EP1847425B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1847425B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP1847425B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade (2) of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade (2) includes opposing longitudinal grooves (3) on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves (3) spaced-apart longitudinal strips (4) of the carrier element are disposed, wherein neighbouring ends (5) of said longitudinal strips (4) are interconnected by a respective connecting piece (6), which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device (7) for an oscillating arm (8), wherein said oscillating arm (8) is pivotally connected to said connecting device (7) about a pivot axis near one end, with the interposition of a joint part (12), with the special feature that said joint part (12) is detachably connected to said connecting device (7) by engaging protrusions (9) of said connecting device (7), at the location of said pivot axis, in recesses (11) provided in said joint part (12), and wherein said protrusions (9) are provided with co-axial through holes (10).