Wiper Blade Adapter With Rigid-Resilient Guide Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blade mounting systems are cumbersome and error-prone due to the need to select and fasten multiple fastening elements, and those for hook-shaped wiper arms often lack a secure and reliable connection.
Innovation Solution
A robust fastening element with a displaceable wall between two parallel positions, forming a one-piece adapter that securely connects the wiper strip to the wiper arm, allowing the wiper arm to slide onto the fastening element with guide surfaces that restrict movement, and incorporating a locking spring for a stable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fastening elements are enclosed in sales packaging for selection and fastening to the wiper strip, then the wiper blade can be adapted to different wiper arm types, but the mounting process becomes cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different wiper arm types (hook-shaped and non-hook-shaped) through a single standardized interface. The adapter element with the wall displaceable between two positions provides a multi-functional solution that eliminates the need for selecting among multiple fastening elements, thereby simplifying the mounting process while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible flaps are used in fastening elements for hook-shaped wiper arms to achieve auto-adaptive characteristic, then the fastening element can adapt to the wiper arm shape, but the connection becomes less robust and secure
Solution Approach 1:
The wall of the adapter element is designed to be displaceable between two positions: a first position for receiving the hook-shaped end and a second position for securing it. This dynamic structure allows the fastening element to adapt to the wiper arm shape while maintaining a robust and secure connection, replacing the flexible flap mechanism with a more reliable displaceable wall structure.
3Shape
If the wiper arm is configured to slide onto the fastening element along the wiper arm direction, then the overall height is reduced and aerodynamic properties are improved, but the fastening element requires precise guiding surfaces to restrict movement
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element incorporates guide surfaces that extend in the longitudinal direction to guide the wiper arm during the sliding mounting process. By adding this guiding dimension, the system achieves a low overall height and good aerodynamic properties while controlling the movement of the wiper arm, eliminating the need for complex lateral restriction mechanisms.
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
Ensures a secure and reliable connection between the wiper blade and wiper arm with improved aerodynamic properties and ease of mounting, reducing errors and enhancing stability.
Implementation Method 1
the fastening element has at least one locking spring on a cover surface and the wiper arm has a correlating opening, the locking spring being configured to be insertable into the opening in a form-fitting manner
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a wiper blade (14), in particular a wiper blade (14) for a motor vehicle, comprising a wiper strip (18) and a fastening element (16) for fastening the wiper strip (18) to a wiper arm (12) comprising at least a first adapter element (120), wherein a first adapter element (120) has a first guide surface (140, 142) and a second guide surface (140, 142) for longitudinally guiding the wiper arm (12), the first guide surface (140, 142) and the second guide surface (140, 142) being located on respective opposite outer faces of the fastening element (16). According to the invention, the first guide surface (140, 142) is in the form of a substantially rigid positioning element (141), and the second guide surface (140, 142) is in the form of a resilient coupling element (143).