Wiper Blade Form-Fit Connection Using Segmented Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blade devices face challenges in securely and simply attaching to wiper arms due to inadequate form-fitting connections and ease of assembly, leading to potential misalignment and instability during operation.
Innovation Solution
A wiper blade device design featuring a base unit and adapter unit with a form-fitting connection, utilizing a spring strip for counterforce and a positive-locking element, along with latching hooks and rounded pins for secure attachment, ensuring easy assembly and secure fixation to the wiper arm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple connection method is used to attach the wiper blade to the wiper arm, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the connection stability and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into multiple independent elements: a positive-locking element for initial alignment and insertion, and at least two latching hooks for securing the connection. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function, making assembly simple while ensuring reliable fixation through the combined action of all elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching hooks are designed to engage with corresponding features on the wiper arm, nesting the adapter unit securely within the mounting structure. The positive-locking element is received within a recess of the base unit, creating a nested arrangement that ensures proper alignment and stable connection.
2Manufacturing precision
If a form-fitting connection is used to prevent misalignment, then the connection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positive-locking element features an asymmetric cross-sectional shape that corresponds to an asymmetric recess in the base unit. This asymmetric form-fitting connection ensures correct orientation and alignment of the adapter unit relative to the wiper arm, preventing misalignment while maintaining relatively simple construction through the use of basic geometric shapes.
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 design provides a secure, easy-to-assemble, and stable attachment of the wiper blade to the wiper arm, reducing the likelihood of incorrect assembly and ensuring a firm connection, thus enhancing operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring strip designed as a spring rail (60a) for pre-tensioning the wiper rubber
Implementation Method 2
which, in particular, generates a counterforce dependent on a change in extent, which opposes the change
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a wiper blade device (10a-f) comprising a base unit (12a-f) and an adapter unit (14a-f), which can be connected to a wiper arm and is fixed to the base unit (12a-f) in a form-fitting manner in at least one mounted state, wherein the base unit (12a-f) and the adapter unit (14a-f) have a form-fit connection in the mounted state, in which at least one of the units surrounds the other of the units, at least in part, in a form-fitting manner.