Integrated Wiper Blade Coupling Unit for Heating and Spray
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper arm/wiper blade connections do not simplify the attachment and detachment of electrically heatable wiper blades with integrated spray nozzles for vehicle windshields, requiring complex electrical and hydraulic connections.
Innovation Solution
A wiper arm/wiper blade connection system featuring an electric-hydraulic coupling unit with a plastic molded part, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of heatable wiper blades with integrated spray channels and heating elements, where the coupling unit integrates hydraulic and electrical connections within a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional separate electrical and hydraulic connections are used for wiper blades with heating elements and spray nozzles, then the connection system becomes complex and difficult to attach/detach, but using integrated coupling units simplifies the connection process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical connections and hydraulic connections into a single integrated coupling unit. The electrical plug and hydraulic quick-connectors are merged into one assembly that attaches simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate connection operations and reducing overall system complexity despite multiple functions being served.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical power transmission for heating elements, hydraulic fluid transmission for spray nozzles, and mechanical attachment for the wiper blade. This multi-functionality in a single component simplifies the overall connection process while maintaining all necessary operations.
2Productivity
If multiple separate connection components are used for electrical and hydraulic systems, then each connection can be optimized independently, but the overall attachment time and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical plug and hydraulic quick-connectors are pre-assembled into a single coupling unit before being attached to the wiper blade. This preliminary integration ensures that both electrical and hydraulic connections are established simultaneously in a single attachment action, eliminating sequential connection steps and reducing attachment time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If heating elements and spray channels are integrated into the wiper blade, then functional capabilities are enhanced, but the complexity of connection and disconnection processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical plug for heating elements and the hydraulic quick-connectors for spray channels into a single integrated coupling unit. This consolidation maintains all enhanced functional capabilities while simplifying the connection process to a single unified attachment operation rather than multiple separate connections.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simplified and efficient connection and disconnection of heatable wiper blades with spray nozzles, allowing for simultaneous heating of the wiper blade and liquid lines, improving ease of use and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrical line (15) which is arranged in the liquid line (14) and is designed as a heating element or heating wire
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a wiper arm/wiper blade connection between a wiper blade (5, 5a, 5b) and a wiper arm (1) of a windscreen wiper installation for vehicles, comprising a wiper blade adapter (6) which is mounted on a wiper blade (5, 5a, 5b) for detachably fastening the wiper blade (5, 5a, 5b) to the wiper arm (1). The wiper blade (5, 5a, 5b) is designed as a flat wiper blade (5, 5a, 5b) and comprises at least one nozzle opening (11.1, 12.1) or at least one spray or distribution channel (11, 12) having nozzle openings (11.1, 12.1) for applying a cleaning or washing liquid to a vehicle screen on at least one wiper blade longitudinal side. The connection further comprises at least one liquid connection (24, 25) on the wiper blade adapter (6) on the adapter end for detachably connecting the at least one nozzle opening (11.1, 12.1) or the at least one spray or distribution channel (11, 12) to at least one outer liquid line (14) for supplying the washing or cleaning liquid, namely via a coupling unit (28, 28a – 28c) that is connected to the at least one liquid line (14). The invention is characterized in that, if the wiper blade (5, 5a, 5b) is configured as an electrically heated wiper blade, the wiper blade adapter (6) has at least one electrical connection (26) in addition to the at least one liquid connection (24, 25), said electrical connection being detachably connected to the at least one outer electrical line (15, 38) via the coupling unit (28, 28a – 28c) to supply a heating current to the wiper blade (5, 5a, 5b).