Wiper Blade Apparatus Elastic Hook Assembly for Vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blade assemblies for vehicles face challenges at high speeds, where the retainer structure fails to maintain proper contact with the windshield, leading to inadequate cleaning, and the connector device is difficult to assemble and replace, requiring costly replacement of the entire apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A wiper blade apparatus with a rod-like metal vertebra, a first connection member with a rotational shaft, and elastic hook sections that securely attach the wiper arm, along with a center support and spoiler members to enhance assemblability and prevent hook release, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly of the wiper lip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the connector device is coupled to the vertebra using caulking or bending processes, then the connector device is firmly fixed to the vertebra, but the assemblability deteriorates and the connector device becomes difficult to separate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector device is divided into separable components: the first connection member (coupled to the wiper arm) and the center support (coupled to the vertebra). This segmentation allows the wiper arm to be detached by removing only the first connection member, leaving the center support firmly attached to the vertebra, thus improving ease of manufacture and maintenance while maintaining fixed strength during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic hook sections act as an intermediary mechanism between the first connection member and the vertebra. These hooks can be easily inserted and removed, providing a simple coupling method that does not require complex caulking or bending processes, thereby improving assemblability while maintaining sufficient connection strength
2Strength
If the connector device is firmly fixed to the vertebra, then the connection strength is improved, but the connector device cannot be easily separated for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector device is segmented into the center support (permanently attached to vertebra) and the first connection member (removable). This allows the wiper arm assembly to be replaced without removing the center support, improving replaceability while maintaining connection strength during use
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static, permanent connection (caulking/bending) to a dynamic, controllable connection. The elastic hook sections can be easily engaged and disengaged, allowing the first connection member to be removed when needed for maintenance, thus improving ease of repair while maintaining connection strength during operation
3Reliability
If the entire wiper apparatus is replaced when the connector device malfunctions, then the reliability is maintained, but the cost and time for replacement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector device is segmented into replaceable components (first connection member) and permanent components (center support). When the connector device malfunctions, only the first connection member needs to be replaced, not the entire wiper apparatus, thus reducing replacement time and cost while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows selective replacement of the first connection member (the consumable/replaceable part) while retaining the center support (the valuable/reusable part). This reduces waste and replacement time, improving loss of time efficiency while maintaining reliability through timely replacement of faulty components
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
The improved assemblability and secure attachment of components enhance the productivity and ease of maintenance, allowing for effective windshield cleaning at high speeds without the need for costly replacements, while maintaining constant rigidity and elasticity for optimal contact with the windshield.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic hook sections that protrude and extend from the body, the elastic hook sections elastically supporting a top surface of the vertebra so that the center support is fixed to the vertebra
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper blade apparatus for a vehicle includes: a vertebra that is a rod-like elongated member; a first connection member disposed at a central upper portion of the vertebra, provided with a rotational shaft fixed to the vertebra; and a center support including a plurality of elastic hook sections supporting a top surface of the vertebra so that the center support is fixed to the vertebra. The elastic hook sections forcibly pass through a space between the vertebra and a hook release prevention section extending downward from a sidewall of the first connection member and are elastically fixed to the top surface of the vertebra. The center support is assembled upward from a lower side of the vertebra after the first connection member is assembled with the vertebra.