Wiper Blade Connector Deformations for Vertebra Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat windscreen wiper blades lack sufficient rigidity due to insufficient support from the connector, failing to meet requirements for lateral pivoting and longitudinal torsion specified by car manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
The connector incorporates deformations that extend into notches on the vertebra, allowing for omnidirectional blocking and eliminating assembly play, thereby enhancing the retention and support of the vertebra within the support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the connector is secured to the support structure by transverse interlocking and locking via the vertebra, then the assembly is simple and compatible with standard components, but the support for the vertebra at the connector is insufficient, resulting in inadequate rigidity for lateral pivoting and longitudinal torsion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces localized deformations (protrusions) of the connector material that extend into notches on the vertebra. These localized structural modifications provide enhanced support and rigidity at specific critical points without changing the overall simple interlocking design of the connector assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is pre-deformed to create protrusions that extend into notches on the vertebra before assembly. This preliminary deformation ensures that when the connector is assembled, the vertebra is already supported at multiple points, eliminating assembly play and providing immediate rigidity without requiring complex post-assembly adjustments.
2Ease of operation
If assembly play is allowed to facilitate insertion of the vertebra between the claws of the connector, then the assembly process is easier, but the wiper blade cannot offer sufficient rigidity to meet the requirements for lateral pivoting and longitudinal torsion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the connector material through localized deformation, creating protrusions that extend into notches on the vertebra. This parameter change transforms the connector from a simple interlocking component to one that provides positive engagement and eliminates assembly play, achieving both ease of assembly and high rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformations (protrusions) of the connector act as intermediaries that fill the gap between the connector claws and the vertebra. These protrusions extend into notches on the vertebra, providing a mechanical bridge that eliminates assembly play while maintaining the simplicity of the overall assembly process.
3Device complexity
If the connector uses only transverse interlocking with the support structure, then the device complexity is low, but the holding capacity of the connector for the vertebra is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into multiple functional zones: the main body for transverse interlocking with the support structure, and localized deformation zones with protrusions that engage with notches on the vertebra. This segmentation allows the connector to provide both simple assembly and reliable retention without significantly increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions of the connector are nested within notches on the vertebra, creating a multi-level engagement system. The connector is first inserted through the support structure, then the protrusions are deformed to extend into and nest within the notches on the vertebra, providing redundant retention mechanisms without adding external complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wiper blade (1) that comprises a bearing structure (20) in which a flexible vertebra (23) is longitudinally inserted and on the sides of which are formed openings (25a, 25b, 26a, 26b, 27a, 27b) exposing the side edges (23a) of the vertebra (23), as well as a connector (50) that is fitted substantially transversally onto the bearing structure (20) at the level of the openings (25a, 25b, 26a, 26b) and that is blocked in terms of movement in the fitting direction thereof by the portions of the side edges (23a) protruding from said openings (25a, 25b, 26a, 26b). The invention is characterised in that the connector (50) includes at least one deformation (70a) extending inside a notch (71a) formed in the vertebra (23) at a portion of a side edge (23a) and accessible via an opening (27a).