Wiper Blade Connecting Device Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connecting devices for wiper blades suffer from issues where the lock member can be lifted due to increased plate thickness of the wiper arm's hook, leading to unintentional unlocking and a compromised appearance of the wiper blade.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a rotatable lock member that engages with the arcuate outer peripheral surface of the hook, exerting a resilient force in the locking direction to secure the hook and prevent unlocking, while allowing detachment by rotating to the unlocking position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the plate thickness of the hook is increased to meet specification variations and tolerances, then the strength and durability of the connection is improved, but the engaging piece undergoes excessive flexion causing reaction forces that promote unlocking and cause the lock member to lift upward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the reaction force counteracting portion of the lock member to counteract the reaction force from the engaging piece before unlocking occurs. This preliminary structural arrangement prevents the lock member from lifting upward when the engaging piece flexes against thicker hooks, maintaining reliable locking without requiring active control during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the counterweight principle by designing the lock member with a reaction force counteracting portion that generates a counter force opposite to the reaction force from the engaging piece. This counteracting structure balances the forces acting on the lock member, preventing unintended unlocking while allowing the hook plate thickness to vary within specification ranges.
2Strength
If the plate thickness of the hook is increased, then the structural integrity is improved, but the appearance of the wiper blade deteriorates due to the lock member projecting upward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prevents the appearance deterioration by pre-structuring the lock member with a reaction force counteracting portion that maintains the lock member in proper position before any unlocking can occur. This preliminary structural design ensures the lock member does not project upward, preserving the clean appearance of the wiper blade while accommodating stronger, thicker hooks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the engaging piece is made more flexible to accommodate thicker hooks, then the adaptability to different hook specifications is improved, but the reaction force increases promoting unintentional unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lock member into distinct functional portions: the engaging piece that contacts the hook and the reaction force counteracting portion that prevents unlocking. This segmentation allows the engaging piece to be flexible enough to accommodate various hook thicknesses while the separate counteracting portion independently manages the reaction force, preventing unintentional unlocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the counterweight principle by providing a reaction force counteracting portion that generates a force opposite to the reaction force from the engaging piece. This allows the engaging piece to maintain high flexibility for adaptability while the counteracting portion ensures locking reliability by preventing the lock member from lifting due to excessive reaction forces.
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 solution effectively locks the wiper blade to the wiper arm, preventing unintentional unlocking and maintaining a clean appearance regardless of variations in the hook's plate thickness, ensuring reliable operation and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The engaging piece is resiliently flexible and is placed at a longitudinal side (installation portion side) of the lock member
Data Source
AI summary
In a connecting member, a base member includes an installation portion, to which a hook of a wiper arm configured into a U-shape form is adapted to be installed after installation of the base member to a wiper blade. A lock member is rotatably connected to the base member and is adapted to be engaged with an arcuate outer peripheral surface of the hook after installation of the hook to the installation portion. The lock member includes an engaging portion, which is adapted to be engaged with the arcuate outer peripheral surface of the hook to exert a resilient force against the arcuate outer peripheral surface of the hook. The resilient force of the engaging portion is exerted as a rotational force in a locking direction of the lock member against the arcuate outer peripheral surface of the hook.