Wiper Blade Latching Element Deformation for Assembly Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blade devices face challenges in achieving a balance between easy assembly and high holding force, often requiring significant assembly force or compromising on the holding strength.
Innovation Solution
The wiper blade device incorporates a spring strip with a latching element that undergoes significant deformation upon assembly, featuring a design where the latching element's extension increases parallel to the mounting direction, allowing for easy assembly while providing a high holding force. The latching element is designed to be bent over during assembly, generating a small counterforce and increasing in volume and surface area in the assembled state, ensuring secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional end termination unit is used, then assembly is simple, but the holding force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element is designed to be dynamic rather than static, undergoing significant deformation during assembly and operation. The element transitions from an extended state during assembly to a deformed state during operation, allowing the system to adapt its properties based on the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching element undergoes parameter changes in its physical state during assembly. Specifically, it experiences significant deformation (at least doubling, tripling, or quadrupling of volume and/or surface area) when transitioning from the assembly phase to the mounted state, which enables it to generate high holding force while maintaining assembly simplicity.
2Strength
If high holding force is achieved through deformation, then assembly force counteraction increases, but assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element undergoes excessive deformation beyond what would be typical for conventional latching mechanisms. This significant deformation (at least doubling or tripling of volume) ensures that the element provides sufficient holding force while its elastic properties allow it to return to its original state after assembly, reducing the perceived complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching element is pre-designed with specific geometric features and material properties that enable it to undergo the required deformation during assembly. The element is prepared in advance to exhibit the necessary elastic behavior, so that when assembly occurs, the deformation and holding force generation happen automatically without requiring complex assembly procedures.
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 design enables convenient and simple assembly with a high holding force, as the latching element's deformation counteracts the assembly force, ensuring the wiper blade remains securely attached to the multipoint connector.
Implementation Method 1
the latching element (14a) which, when a latching connection is established, exhibits a significant deformation compared to an unassembled state
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The wiper blade apparatus has a spring strip that is fastened at an end portion (12a) using a latching element. The latching element has deformation at snap-in connection compared to the unmounted state. The latching element has an extension that is provided parallel to mounting direction of the spring strip. A wiper strip carrier (32a) has a receiving region for accommodating a wiper strip (36a).