Windshield Wiper Packaging Flap Interlocking Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging devices for windshield wiper blades are fragile and prone to unfolding during transport, leading to increased bulk and complexity in manufacturing, which results in additional handling steps and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A blank for manufacturing a packaging device with elongate shape, comprising first and second longitudinal zones articulated via transverse fold lines, where the first flap is formed before the second flap, ensuring the second flap unfolds first upon impact, maintaining the device's overall size without additional fastening means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If adhesive or fastening means are used to ensure the folded state of the flaps, then the folded state is maintained, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolded state stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging device uses its own structural design to maintain the folded state of flaps without external fastening means. The overlapping arrangement of flaps creates a self-locking mechanism where the flaps themselves maintain their folded configuration through geometric interlocking rather than requiring additional adhesives or fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The flaps are arranged in an overlapping nested configuration where one flap is positioned over another in a hierarchical manner. This nesting creates mechanical interlocking that maintains the folded state without requiring external fastening means, as each flap supports and stabilizes the previous one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If adhesive or fastening means are used to ensure the folded state of the flaps, then the folded state is maintained, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolded state stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging device uses its own structural design to maintain the folded state of flaps without external fastening means. The overlapping arrangement of flaps creates a self-locking mechanism where the flaps themselves maintain their folded configuration through geometric interlocking rather than requiring additional adhesives or fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention removes the need for additional fastening means (adhesives, tapes, clips) from the manufacturing process. By extracting these external components and replacing them with an intrinsic structural solution based on flap overlapping, the manufacturing cost is reduced while maintaining the required stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stability of the object's composition

If additional fastening means are used to maintain folded flaps, then the folded state is ensured, but the handling steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolded state stabilityVSAvoidhandling time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging device uses its own structural design to maintain the folded state of flaps without external fastening means. The overlapping arrangement of flaps creates a self-locking mechanism where the flaps themselves maintain their folded configuration through geometric interlocking rather than requiring additional adhesives or fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250074649A1Blank for manufacturing a device for packaging at least one windscreen wiper blade, and corresponding packaging device

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS

AI summary

A blank for manufacturing a packaging device for at least one windshield wiper blade is disclosed. The blank is of elongate shape and comprises at least the first and second adjacent longitudinal zones. Each of the at least first and second longitudinal zones is configured to form a longitudinal face of the packaging device. The first and second longitudinal zones are respectively articulated at each of their ends to first and second end zones via a transverse fold line. The first and second end zones are able to form respectively first and second substantially transverse flaps of the packaging device. The longitudinal length of the first end zone is greater than that of the second end zone and the first flap is configured to be formed before the second flap.