Wiper Blade Connection Device for Universal Vehicle Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiper system connection devices are complex, fragile, and unsuitable for easy mounting on vehicles with either right-hand or left-hand drive, lacking versatility and optimized visibility for drivers.

Innovation Solution

A simplified, compact connection device with a stud and housing system, featuring a finger and pin configuration, allowing easy assembly on both right-hand and left-hand drive vehicles, comprising a one-piece assembly made from polymer material with a receiving member for the tongue, enabling optimized visibility and reduced part count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional connection device is used between the operating arm and wiper blade, then the wiper blade can be attached to the arm, but the device becomes complex and fragile with a large number of parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate components (stud, housing, receiving member, tongue) into a single integrated connection device that attaches between the operating arm and wiper blade. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts while maintaining reliable mechanical connection through the interlocking stud-housing and tongue-receiving member interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device is designed with universal adaptability to work with different operating arm configurations (right-hand drive or left-hand drive vehicles). The stud and housing structure can accommodate various mounting orientations, allowing the same device to serve multiple vehicle types without modification.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional connection device is used, then the wiper blade can be mounted, but it is not suitable for easy mounting on vehicles with either right-hand or left-hand drive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidmounting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device incorporates universal mounting capabilities through its symmetric stud-housing design that can be installed in multiple orientations. The same device works equally well on right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles, eliminating the need for different connection devices for different vehicle configurations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device is divided into separable components (stud with housing, tongue with receiving member) that can be independently positioned and assembled. This segmentation allows flexible installation orientations to accommodate different vehicle types while maintaining ease of assembly through simple attachment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a complex connection device with many parts is used, then connection functionality is achieved, but production, referencing and storage costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection functionalityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By consolidating multiple functions into fewer integrated components, the patent reduces manufacturing complexity and part inventory requirements. The merged design requires fewer production steps, simplifies quality control, and reduces storage space needed for multiple variants, thereby lowering overall production costs while maintaining reliable connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3159226B1Connection device introduced between a manoeuvring arm and a wiper blade of a motor vehicle windscreen
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
  • EP3159226B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3159226B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3159226B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a connection device (2) intended to be interposed between an operating arm (4) and a wiper blade (1) of a glazed surface of a motor vehicle, comprising a retaining piece (18) carrying the wiper blade (1) and adapted to be attached to a connection portion (9) of the operating arm (4), the connection portion (9) comprising a finger and a pin (16), characterized in that the retaining piece (18) comprises a stud (19) provided with a housing (24) adapted to receive the finger of the connection portion (9), the housing (24) opening through a first orifice (50) formed through a first face (29) of the stud (19), the housing (24) opening through a second orifice formed through a second face (30) of the stud (19), the stud (19) being equipped with at least a plate (200) provided with a receiving member (201) capable of retaining a tab (40) which is included in the pin (16).