Wiper Blade End Termination with Integrated Latching Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blade devices face challenges in achieving a stable and wobble-free attachment of the spring strip and wiper strip carrier to the end termination unit, often requiring additional components and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves using end termination units with integrated latching elements, such as latching hooks and recesses, to securely fasten the spring strip and wiper strip carrier directly to the end termination unit, eliminating the need for additional components and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional components are used to achieve stable attachment of spring strip and wiper strip carrier to end termination unit, then attachment stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching elements are integrated directly into the end termination unit, merging the fastening function with the termination unit structure. This eliminates the need for separate additional fastening components while achieving stable attachment of both the spring strip and wiper strip carrier to the end termination unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The end termination unit is designed with multiple latching elements that can simultaneously secure both the spring strip and the wiper strip carrier, making the termination unit multi-functional. This single component performs both structural termination and fastening functions for multiple elements.
2Reliability
If additional components are used to secure spring strip and wiper strip carrier, then attachment reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the latching elements into the end termination unit as a single molded component, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, stored, and assembled. This consolidation simplifies the supply chain and manufacturing processes while maintaining secure attachment of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The end termination unit serves multiple functions: it terminates the spring strip, secures the wiper strip carrier, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and associated manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable attachment.
3Reliability
If complex assembly processes are used to achieve stable attachment, then attachment stability is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching elements are pre-integrated into the end termination unit, allowing the spring strip and wiper strip carrier to be attached simultaneously in a single assembly operation. This eliminates multi-step fastening processes and reduces assembly time while maintaining stable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching elements are pre-formed as integral parts of the end termination unit during manufacturing, rather than being added during assembly. This preliminary integration of fastening features simplifies the assembly process and reduces the time required to secure the spring strip and wiper strip carrier.
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 ensures a stable, wobble-free attachment and reduces the number of components required, facilitating a simpler and more cost-effective manufacturing and assembly process while providing a secure mounting of the wiper blade components.
Implementation Method 1
a component which has at least one extension which, in a normal operating state, can be elastically changed 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, generates a counterforce that is dependent on a change in the extension and counteracts the change
Implementation Method 2
the end termination unit comprises at least two latching elements for fastening the spring strip and/or the wiper strip carrier
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a wiper blade device comprising at least one spring strip (10a-e), at least one wiper strip support (12a-e) and at least one end sealing unit (14a-e). According to the invention, the end sealing unit (14a-e) comprises at least two detent elements (16a-e, 18a-e) for fixing the spring strip (10a-e) and/or the wiper strip support (12a-e).