Wiper Blade Connector Centring Guide Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current windscreen wiper blade connection systems face inefficiencies due to manufacturing and mounting clearances, which hinder the effective interaction of centring and guide means, leading to limited functionality.
Innovation Solution
The connection system incorporates centring and guide means with distinct and contiguous portions, such as inclined flats or chamfers, to facilitate the mounting of the wiper blade to the windscreen wiper arm, reducing forces during insertion and enhancing the interaction between the connector and adapter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional centring and guide means with numerous bearing and sliding surfaces are used, then the mounting of the physical axis in the hole is facilitated, but the manufacturing and mounting clearances prevent efficient interaction between surfaces, limiting usefulness
Solution Approach 1:
The centring and guide means is divided into two distinct and contiguous portions: a inclined plane portion and a perpendicular plane portion. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its function independently - the inclined plane guides insertion while the perpendicular plane provides precise centring, overcoming the limitation of numerous surfaces that cannot interact efficiently due to clearances.
Solution Approach 2:
The centring and guide means acts as an intermediary element between the physical axis and the hole, with its two portions mediating the insertion process. The inclined plane portion mediates the initial insertion by guiding the axis, while the perpendicular plane portion mediates the final positioning by providing precise centring, ensuring reliable interaction despite manufacturing clearances.
2Productivity
If the connector and adapter are inserted with significant forces, then mounting is achieved, but excessive forces are generated on the adapter during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined plane portion performs a preliminary action by guiding the physical axis into the hole at an angle, preparing the alignment before the final insertion. This preliminary guidance action reduces the force required for the subsequent perpendicular insertion, as the axis is already properly aligned and positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation of the centring and guide means surfaces is changed - using an inclined plane rather than a perpendicular surface for the initial contact. This parameter change in surface orientation allows the insertion force to be applied more efficiently, converting part of the insertion motion into rotational alignment, thereby reducing the total force required.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a member 24, 26 for a system for connecting a wiper blade 12 to a windscreen wiper arm 14, this member comprising articulation means 80 configured in order to interact with first means 60 complementing a second member 26, 24 of the connection system in such a manner as to turn about at least one axis Y of articulation of the member vis-à-vis this second member, said member comprising centring and guide means 62, 82 configured in order to interact with second means 82, 62 complementing the second member in order to facilitate the mounting of the member in or on the second member, characterized in that said centring and guide means 62, 82 comprise at least two distinct and contiguous portions 62a, 62b, 82a, 62b.