Wiper Blade Adapter Reinforcing Element for Transverse Force Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blades face challenges in absorbing transverse forces without deforming the plastic adapter, leading to reduced spring action and poor wiping quality, especially when lengthening the adapter to mitigate stress is not feasible.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a separate metal reinforcing element, optimized for force absorption, connected to the adapter element via a locking mechanism, which distributes forces over a larger surface area to minimize stress peaks and maintain spring action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the wiper blade adapter length is increased to reduce stresses in the groove-like guides, then the stress absorption capacity improves, but the spring action of the spring strips is reduced and wiping quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade adapter is segmented into a plastic adapter element and a separate reinforcing element (made of glass-fibre-reinforced plastic or metal). The reinforcing element is inserted into the plastic adapter element to specifically handle transverse forces in the groove-like guides, while the plastic adapter element maintains its original length to preserve spring strip functionality. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its optimal function.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing element uses composite materials (glass-fibre-reinforced plastic or metal) that provide high strength and stiffness to withstand transverse forces without requiring increased adapter length. This composite structure enables the reinforcing element to bear the mechanical loads that would otherwise require a longer adapter design.
2Strength
If the wiper blade adapter length is increased to avoid plastic deformation, then the structural integrity improves, but the overall length increases which is critical for performance
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter system is divided into two functional parts: a compact plastic adapter element that maintains the original length for spring strip deployment, and a separate reinforcing element that provides the necessary structural integrity. This segmentation allows the reinforcing element to compensate for strength requirements without increasing the overall adapter length.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing element is strategically positioned only in the region of the groove-like guides where transverse forces act on the spring strips. This localized reinforcement provides structural integrity exactly where needed without extending the adapter length in non-critical regions.
3Strength
If a separate reinforcing element is added to absorb transverse forces, then the force absorption capacity improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing element and plastic adapter element are combined into a single integrated component assembly where the reinforcing element is inserted into and works together with the plastic adapter element. This merging creates a unified structure that provides enhanced force absorption without requiring multiple separate assemblies or complex mounting mechanisms.
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 absorbs transverse forces without deforming the adapter, maintaining high wiping quality while minimizing the adapter's length, thus enhancing the wiper blade's performance under varying wind conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a wiper blade body (15) which comprises a wiper rubber (16)... two pre-curved spring strips (21, 22)... The spring strips in this case are partially arranged in holding fixtures (18, 19), which are U-shaped in cross section, in a wiper rubber (16)
Implementation Method 2
the adapter element (24) is connected to at least one separate reinforcing element (32) which encompasses the spring strips (21, 22) on the sections of said spring strips (21, 22) projecting from the holding fixtures (18, 19) at least section-wise
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a wiper blade (10) for cleaning vehicle windscreens having a wiper rubber (16) with groove-like recesses (18, 19) formed in the longitudinal sides of the wiper rubber (16), in which spring strips (21, 22) are partially contained, wherein the spring strips (21, 22) project laterally from the holding fixtures (18, 19) with their longitudinal sides, and having an adapter element (24) consisting at least essentially of plastic for the at least indirect attachment of the wiper blade (10) to a wiper arm (1), wherein the adapter element (24) exhibits groove-like guides (25, 26) which are disposed on the two longitudinal sides of the adapter element (24) on sides facing one another, wherein the guides (25, 26) encompass the two spring strips (21, 22) on the sections of the spring strips (21, 22) projecting from the holding fixtures (18, 19).