Wiper Blade Connection Device Universal Adapter Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing windscreen wiper systems face challenges in connecting wiper blades to drive arms with specific end parts that have an inverted 'U'-shaped section, as conventional adapters are not compatible with various types of arm end parts and wiper blade connectors.

Innovation Solution

A connection device featuring an adapter with lateral flanks and a fixing member that includes aligned orifices and a cylindrical portion, allowing secure attachment and rotational movement of the wiper blade connector, while blocking translational and rotational movements to ensure a universal fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional adapter is used to connect wiper blades to drive arms, then the connection can be established, but the adapter is not compatible with various types of arm end parts and wiper blade connectors, limiting versatility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with various drive arm end partsVSAvoidadapter design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple types of drive arm end parts through its inverted U-shaped reception volume and standardized orifice configuration. The fixing member with cylindrical portion and perpendicular bearing surface can engage with different connector types, making the adapter compatible across various wiper blade and drive arm configurations without requiring multiple specialized adapters.

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

2Ease of operation

If the fixing member allows rotational movement for articulation, then the wiper blade can articulate properly, but translational movement must be blocked to maintain secure connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearticulated connection capabilityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device implements dynamic constraints that allow rotation while preventing translation. The fixing member's cylindrical portion rotating within the adapter's orifices enables articulated movement, while the perpendicular bearing surface at the cylindrical end and the shouldered configuration constrain translational movement. This dynamic design provides the necessary freedom for wiper blade articulation while maintaining secure connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3554899B1Connection device for linking a wiper blade to a drive arm for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
  • EP3554899B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3554899B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3554899B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

The subject of the invention is a connection device (10) intended to link a wiper blade to a drive arm of a wiper system for a vehicle, comprising: - an adapter (5) formed at least by an upper wall (50) from which emerge at least two lateral flanks (51), including a first lateral flank and a second lateral flank, so as to define an internal volume in which a connector (3) rigidly connected to the wiper blade is intended to extend, the first lateral flank and the second lateral flank each comprising one aperture aligned with the other; - an attachment member (7) comprising ends (71, 72), the attachment member (7) passing through at least the two apertures of the adapter (5), characterized in that at least one of the ends (71, 72), referred to as the first end (71), of the attachment member (7) extends beyond the first lateral flank (51) of the adapter (5) and in that at least one portion of this first end (71, 72) bears against the first lateral flank (51) of the adapter (5).