Wiper Blade End Cap Fastening via Vertical Recess and Spring Rail
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blade devices face challenges in achieving a simple and stable fastening mechanism for end caps, particularly in ensuring secure attachment and protection from weathering influences.
Innovation Solution
The wiper blade device incorporates a holding unit with a vertical recess and a spring rail channel, allowing for rapid and stable fixation of the end cap in a vertical direction, with the spring rail channel being partially formed by the wiper strip and end cap, and utilizing a spring rail made from spring steel for elastic support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional fastening mechanisms are used for end caps, then the attachment may be secure, but the fastening process becomes complex and requires additional fixing components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the end cap and holding unit into an integrated assembly where the end cap is permanently attached to the holding unit through molded-in recesses. This merging eliminates separate fastening components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining secure attachment, directly resolving the contradiction between device complexity and attachment reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The holding unit serves multiple functions: it holds the wiper strip, provides structural support, and integrates the end cap attachment. By combining these functions into a single component, the patent reduces the number of parts needed while ensuring reliable end cap fixation, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising attachment stability
2Reliability
If multiple fixing components are used for end cap attachment, then the fastening may be stable, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the end cap and holding unit into a single integrated assembly where the end cap is molded directly onto the holding unit. This eliminates the need for separate screws, clips, or other fastening components, reducing the number of parts while maintaining secure attachment through the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The end cap and holding unit are designed to self-assemble through their complementary geometries, with molded-in recesses in the holding unit that receive the end cap. This self-service design eliminates the need for additional fixing components or complex assembly procedures, achieving both simplicity and stability
3Device complexity
If end caps are not properly protected, then the structure remains simple, but the end caps are exposed to weathering influences
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the end cap and holding unit into an integrated assembly, the patent provides inherent protection against weathering. The integrated design allows for seamless coverage and eliminates gaps or exposed surfaces that would be present with separate components, protecting the end cap from environmental factors without adding structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The end cap is designed as a continuous, seamless cover that envelops the end of the wiper blade assembly. This shell-like structure provides protection against weathering influences such as rain, UV exposure, and debris, while maintaining a simple overall structure through the integrated design
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
This configuration enables a secure, rapid, and stable fastening of the end cap, reducing the need for additional fixing components and providing protection from weathering influences, while maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of the wiper blade device.
Implementation Method 1
a spring rail which is at least partially formed from a spring steel... which has at least one extent which, in a normal operating state, is elastically changeable by at least 10%, in particular by at least 20%, preferably by at least 30% and particularly advantageously by at least 50%, and which in particular produces a counter force which is dependent on a change in the extent and is preferably proportional to the change and opposes the change
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper blade device with a holding unit (10) which is provided at least for holding a wiper strip (12), and with at least one end cap (14). The holding unit (10) has at least one vertical recess (16) for receiving the end cap (14) in a vertical direction (18).