Wiper Blade End Cap Apron Mandrel Tip Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blades pose a risk of injury due to accidental contact with the mandrel tip, especially when the cover is closed and the wiper strip is not yet installed, as there is no protection against finger entry into the mandrel area.
Innovation Solution
The end cap is designed with lateral skirts that cover the mandrel both when open and closed, and only one end cap needs to be removable to allow for wiper strip and support element dismantling, with aprons positioned close to the head rail to prevent contact with the mandrel and vehicle windows during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mandrel tip is exposed for easy assembly, then the assembly process is simplified, but the risk of injury from accidental contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary protective structure (apron/skirt) that mediates between the mandrel tip and the user's finger. This apron acts as a physical barrier that prevents direct contact while allowing the mandrel tip to remain accessible for assembly operations. The apron is positioned to cover the mandrel tip when the cover is closed but does not interfere with the assembly process when the cover is open.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective apron is designed to be dynamic in its protective function - it provides protection when the cover is closed during operation, but allows access when the cover is open for assembly or maintenance. The pivoting cover mechanism dynamically changes the exposure state of the mandrel tip, combining safety during operation with ease of assembly.
2Device complexity
If only one end cap is made removable for maintenance, then the device complexity is reduced, but the accessibility for dismantling the other end may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade assembly is segmented into modular components - the end caps, spring rails, and wiper strip can be independently removed and reinstalled. By making only one end cap removable with the cover, the patent creates a convenient access point for dismantling the entire support element assembly, eliminating the need for both end caps to be removable while maintaining full maintenance capability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention is based on a wiper blade (10) having a wiper strip (32) and a support element (30) at whose ends endcaps (12) are guided, said endcaps (12) at their end sides (28) facing the ends of the wiper blade (10) extending as far as a wiper lip (34) via the support element (30), wherein at least one endcap (12) has a lid (14) which is connected to the endcap (12) so as to be capable of pivoting about an articulation axis (18) transversely with respect to the wiper blade (10) and has a gudgeon (22) on its side facing the head strip (38), which gudgeon (22) penetrates the head strip (38) when the lid (14) is closed. It is proposed that the tip of the gudgeon (22) be secured by parts of the endcap (12) or of the lid (14) against contact both in the opened state of the lid (14) and in the closed state.