Wiper Blade Protective Cap for Secure Hook Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield wiper blade articulations with hook-shaped ends face issues with secure attachment and stress on locking noses due to peak loads, leading to potential detachment during operation.
Innovation Solution
A protective cap with an openable and closeable cover design that facilitates secure connection of the wiper arm to the adapter, distributing locking forces without stressing the adapter's bearing, ensuring the articulation function remains intact and preventing excessive pressure on locking noses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If locking noses are used to secure the hook-shaped end to the adapter, then the connection is simplified and easy to assemble, but the locking noses are subjected to excess pressure from short-term peak stress leading to potential detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective cap as an intermediary component between the hook-shaped end and the adapter. This cap absorbs and distributes the peak stresses, preventing them from being transmitted directly to the locking noses. The cap acts as a buffer that protects the locking mechanism while maintaining the simple assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cap is designed to be installed beforehand on the adapter, providing pre-cushioning against peak stresses before the hook-shaped end is attached. This beforehand protection ensures that when the locking noses engage, they are not immediately subjected to excessive forces that could cause detachment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the protective cap is made completely enclosed, then the connection is protected from external factors, but assembly of the wiper arm becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cap is designed with a dynamic opening mechanism that allows it to be opened during assembly to facilitate insertion of the hook-shaped end, and then closed afterward to provide protection. This dynamic characteristic enables the cap to serve both assembly and protection functions at different stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cap is segmented into a main body and a movable cover portion. The cover can be opened independently to allow access for assembly while the main body remains in place, providing partial protection during the assembly process and full protection when closed.
3Ease of operation
If locking noses are allowed to deflect elastically during assembly, then the hook-shaped end can be inserted, but the locking noses may be subjected to excess pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cap serves as an intermediary that limits the deflection of locking noses during assembly. By providing a controlled interface, the cap allows the locking noses to deflect just enough for assembly while preventing excessive deflection that would compromise their strength and durability.
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 provides a secure, stress-free attachment of the wiper arm to the wiper blade, maintaining the articulation function and enhancing the wiper blade's operational stability and aesthetic appeal with a compact, gap-free design.
Implementation Method 1
locking noses, which are arranged in the front area on extensions of the side cheeks of the adapter and deflect elastically to the outside during assembly. In an assembled state the locking noses reassume their initial position
Implementation Method 2
the open hub can be pushed over the flattenings of the bearing element in the completely opened position of the cover, while the hub is held on the bearing element in a half-opened or closed position of the cover
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper blade (18) with a connecting device (84) to connect a wiper arm (10), which connecting device features a pivoted adapter (66) equipped with holding surfaces (70, 72) for the wiper arm (10) and an openable and closeable protective cap (26), which in its closed position can fix the wiper arm (10) with limiting surfaces (64) arranged on an inner side by means of the holding surfaces (70, 72). The protective cap (26) has an openable and closeable cover (50) with an opening in its covering wall through which the wiper arm (10) can be connected to the adapter (66).