Wiper Blade Locking Assembly for Secure Arm Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield wiper blade connection systems are prone to accidental separation due to size differences and flexibility of plastic parts, making maintenance and replacement operations unsafe and difficult, especially when hydraulic and electrical connections are involved.
Innovation Solution
A wiper blade assembly with a locking mechanism that secures the adapter in the working position and releases it in the maintenance position, featuring a stop member to prevent accidental separation, and a hydraulic and/or electrical connection assembly with a removable rear part that disconnects when the adapter is in the maintenance position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional locking mechanism with flexible plastic parts is used to join the adapter to the drive arm, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates due to accidental separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing a blocking member that proactively prevents the locking member from moving to the released position during operation. The blocking member is positioned to engage with the locking member before any accidental separation can occur, creating a preventive barrier against the harmful effect of connection failure. This resolves the contradiction by adding a simple blocking feature rather than a complex locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member acts as an intermediary element between the locking member and the drive arm movement. It mediates the interaction by physically obstructing the locking member's path to the released position, thereby ensuring connection reliability without requiring the locking mechanism itself to be more complex. The blocking member translates the operational state into a mechanical constraint.
2Reliability
If the locking mechanism allows easy release for maintenance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to risk of accidental separation during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different functional zones: the blocking member is positioned to engage with the locking member only in the operational zone, while allowing movement in the maintenance zone. This spatial differentiation ensures that during normal operation the connection is secured against accidental release, while during maintenance operations the blocking member can be bypassed or disengaged to allow intentional release. The solution locally modifies the locking mechanism's behavior based on operational context.
3Ease of operation
If the adapter remains locked during maintenance operations, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates due to inability to disconnect for blade replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the blocking function conditional rather than static. The blocking member is positioned and dimensioned such that it naturally engages with the locking member during operation but can be displaced or bypassed when maintenance is required. This dynamic behavior allows the system to automatically adapt between operational security and maintenance accessibility without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper blade (12) is disclosed having a support connector (18) for at least one wiper rubber (14), an adapter (20) that is able to take a front-end terminal part (10) of a drive arm of the wiper blade (12) which is mounted so as to be articulated with respect to the connector (18), about an articulation axis (A), between a working position and a maintenance position, and which has a locking member (32) for locking said terminal part (10) to the adapter (20), which is mounted so as to be movable between a locking position and a retracted position releasing said terminal part (10). The wiper blade (12) has a member (68, 38) for immobilizing the locking member (32) in the locking position when the adapter (20) is in the working position, and for releasing the locking member (32) when the adapter (20) is in the maintenance position.