Wiper Blade Connector Fluid Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wiper blade connectors with fluid distribution means cannot be mounted in wiper blades with a longitudinal body formed as a single piece, as the central cutout does not extend over the entire cross-section, particularly when the body includes an aerodynamic deflector and a support for the vertebra.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical connector with fluid outlet cannulas that can be attached and fixed to the wiper blade body, allowing for mounting in a partial median cutout, with the cannulas configured to pierce and connect to internal ducts, and featuring means to close off fluid passages for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the longitudinal body is formed as a single piece with a partial median cutout, then the structural integrity and manufacturing efficiency are improved, but the mounting of connectors with fluid distribution means becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate components: a mounting body that fits into the partial median cutout, and fluid outlet cannulas that are attached separately to the body. This segmentation allows the mounting body to be installed in the limited space of the partial cutout while the fluid distribution functions are added through the attached cannulas, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and connector functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting body of the connector is nested within the partial median cutout of the longitudinal body, with the cannulas extending from the body. This nesting arrangement allows the connector components to be housed within the limited space provided by the partial cutout while maintaining full fluid distribution capability, enabling both single-piece construction and connector functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the central cutout extends over the entire cross-section, then connector mounting is enabled, but the structural strength and aerodynamic performance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating a full cross-sectional cutout, only a partial median cutout is made in the longitudinal body. This partial action provides sufficient space for the connector mounting body while preserving the majority of the structural material, thereby maintaining structural strength and aerodynamic performance while still enabling connector installation.
3Device complexity
If the outlet cannulas are mounted by translation parallel to the longitudinal axis, then the fluid distribution is simplified, but the mounting method cannot be applied to single-piece bodies with partial cutouts
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution system is segmented into the mounting body (which fits in the partial cutout) and the outlet cannulas (which are attached to the body). This segmentation allows the cannulas to be mounted on the body rather than requiring translation through the longitudinal body, making the system compatible with single-piece constructions while maintaining simplified fluid distribution through the cannulas.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6
Figure 7~13
AI summary
The invention relates to a mechanical connector for a windshield wiper blade for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, said connector comprising: a body (138) including first means (142) for linking to a wiper-driving arm and second means (146) for linking to a longitudinal member of the arm. In addition, the connector comprises fluid distribution means including fluid outflow tubes. The mechanical connector is characterised in that the fluid outflow tubes (140) are mounted on and secured to the body.