Wiper Blade Adapter Reducing Exposed Hose Length

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing wiper blades have a long exposed hose length that is visually disturbing and prone to damage, especially when the wiper arm is folded away from the vehicle window, which affects the efficiency and durability of the windshield washing system.

Innovation Solution

A wiper blade design featuring an adapter with a T-piece connection that reduces the exposed hose length by integrating the spray channels closer to the wiper arm, allowing for a shorter hose line and a simpler adapter structure, ensuring the supply of cleaning liquid is contained within the connection piece and adapter area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the spray channel is connected to an outer hose line at one end of the flat wiper blade, then the cleaning function is provided, but the exposed hose length becomes relatively large which is visually disturbing and prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehose durabilityVSAvoidexposed hose length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hose line is routed through the bearing element (pivot joint area) rather than along the wiper arm, utilizing the vertical/dimensional space at the connection point to the wiper shaft. This redirects the hose path from a horizontal extension along the arm to a vertical routing through the pivot mechanism, significantly reducing the exposed horizontal hose length while maintaining functional connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The hose line is nested within or through the bearing element structure. The bearing element serves dual purposes: as the mechanical pivot joint and as a conduit or protective channel for the hose line. This nesting eliminates the need for separate external hose routing along the wiper arm, reducing exposed hose length and protecting the hose from damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the hose line extends over a large exposed length along the wiper arm, then the spray channel can be supplied with cleaning liquid, but the hose is damaged very quickly in car washes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning liquid supplyVSAvoidhose durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hose line is nested within or through the bearing element structure. The bearing element serves dual purposes: as the mechanical pivot joint and as a conduit or protective channel for the hose line. This nesting eliminates the need for separate external hose routing along the wiper arm, reducing exposed hose length and protecting the hose from damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing element acts as an intermediary structure that both mechanically connects the wiper arm to the wiper shaft and provides a protected pathway for the hose line. This intermediary structure shields the hose from direct exposure to external environmental factors and mechanical damage during car washes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the hose line is routed along the wiper arm, then the spray channel receives cleaning liquid, but aerodynamics of the wiper blade are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning liquid supplyVSAvoidaerodynamics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The hose line is routed through the bearing element (pivot joint area) rather than along the wiper arm, utilizing the vertical/dimensional space at the connection point to the wiper shaft. This redirects the hose path from a horizontal extension along the arm to a vertical routing through the pivot mechanism, significantly reducing the exposed horizontal hose length while maintaining functional connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP1998987B1Wiper blade
Publication Date: 2011.04.27 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
  • EP1998987B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP1998987B1 patent drawingFigure 4~8
  • EP1998987B1 patent drawingFigure 9~11

AI summary

The invention relates to a wiper blade, in particular a flat wiper blade, for cleaning windscreens on vehicles, having at least one spray duct (8, 9) with spray openings (8.1, 9.1) on at least one longitudinal side of a wiper blade for applying a washing fluid or cleaning fluid to the windscreen to be cleaned, having at least one port (12, 12a) for connecting the at least one spray duct (8, 9) to at least one outer line (10, 11) for feeding the washing fluid or cleaning fluid, and having at least one adapter (7) for connecting the wiper blade (6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) to a wiper arm of a wiper device.