Universal Wiper Blade Mounting Assembly with Adjustable Coupler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wiper systems require multiple wiper blades for different vehicles, leading to inefficiency and a need for a mounting assembly that allows a single wiper blade to fit multiple vehicles and facilitates easy replacement.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly with an adaptor and coupler system that includes hinge pin recesses and openings, allowing the same wiper blade to be used across various vehicles by adapting to different wiper arms through a connector feature and incorporating a secondary locking mechanism for reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different types of wiper blades are used for different vehicles, then each vehicle can have a properly fitted wiper blade, but the number of wiper blade types increases and inventory complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is designed with a universal coupler that can accommodate multiple hinge pin configurations through adjustable arms and openings. The coupler can be adapted to work with different wiper arm types by repositioning the arms or selecting different opening configurations, allowing a single wiper blade design to fit multiple vehicle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly acts as an intermediary component between the wiper blade and the wiper arm. It includes an adaptor that interfaces with the wiper blade and a coupler that interfaces with the wiper arm, providing a standardized connection mechanism that bridges different vehicle-specific wiper arm designs.
2Device complexity
If a standardized mounting assembly is used across multiple vehicles, then inventory is simplified, but the ability to securely attach to different wiper arm types may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly incorporates movable arms with adjustable positions and configurations. The arms can be repositioned along the coupler body or rotated to different orientations to match the specific geometry of different wiper arm types, ensuring reliable attachment while maintaining a standardized design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly is divided into separate functional components: the adaptor that attaches to the wiper blade, the coupler body that provides the connection interface, and the adjustable arms that interface with the wiper arm. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide universal compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex mounting mechanism is used to achieve universal compatibility, then one wiper blade can fit multiple vehicles, but the ease of installation and replacement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is pre-configured with multiple arm positions and opening configurations that are prepared in advance during manufacturing. This allows the installer to simply select the appropriate pre-configured position rather than making adjustments during installation, maintaining ease of installation while achieving universal compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly includes self-aligning features and intuitive connection mechanisms that automatically adapt to the specific wiper arm type being installed. The design allows the installer to attach the mounting assembly without requiring precise alignment or complex adjustment procedures, as the system self-adjusts to accommodate different configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting assembly for mounting a wiper blade to a wiper arm includes an adaptor adapted to be mounted to the wiper blade, the adaptor including a base wall and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from the base wall, and a plurality of hinge pin recesses extending into the side walls adapted to receive a hinge pin of the wiper arm. The mounting assembly also includes a coupler for connection to the wiper arm, the coupler including a top wall, a plurality of side walls depending from the top wall, and a plurality of openings extending into the side walls adapted to receive the hinge pin, and a plurality of arms extending from the side walls and cooperating with the adapter to allow the coupler and the adaptor to be connected together.