Wiper Blade Resilient Latch for Secure Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blade technologies fail to effectively limit the pivoting movement relative to the wiper arm, leading to potential detachment during operation and unclear assembly status.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of resilient means that latch with rigid components on the wiper arm, limiting pivoting movement and providing audible feedback during assembly to ensure proper installation, with various configurations including spring buttons, tongues, and cams to secure the wiper blade in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resilient latching means are added to limit pivoting movement, then reliability of connection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the latching means from rigid to resilient (elastic), allowing the connection element to deform elastically during pivoting and then latch into position. This elastic parameter change provides reliable positioning without requiring complex mechanical locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient latching means automatically engages and disengages based on the pivoting movement itself, without requiring external actuation or complex control mechanisms. The connection element's own motion triggers the latching action through its elastic deformation and engagement with the stop element.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If resilient latching means with audible feedback are incorporated, then assembly status detection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient latching means incorporates an acoustic feedback mechanism where the engagement or disengagement of the latch produces a audible click or noise. This provides immediate feedback to the operator about the assembly status without requiring additional sensors or electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient material acts as an intermediary that converts the mechanical engagement event into an acoustic signal. The elastic deformation and sudden engagement of the latching means creates a audible noise that serves as a mediator between the mechanical assembly state and human perception.
3Reliability
If the angled end of the bridge is designed to engage with the covering cap, then prevention of unintended detachment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is designed with an asymmetric angled end that complements the corresponding feature on the covering cap. This asymmetric geometry provides directional engagement that prevents unintended detachment while maintaining structural simplicity. The angled surfaces mate in a specific orientation to create the locking effect.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple latching configurations (spring buttons, tongues, cams) are provided, then adaptability of connection methods is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient latching means is designed as a multi-functional element that can operate in different configurations (spring button, tongue, or cam mechanisms) depending on the specific implementation. This universal approach allows the same basic principle to serve multiple connection needs without requiring entirely separate mechanisms for each configuration.
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
Ensures the wiper blade is securely locked in the operating position, preventing unintended detachment and providing a clear indication of proper assembly through perceptible noise, thus ensuring sufficient pivoting range for window curvature adaptation.
Implementation Method 1
resilient means are provided on a component non-rotatably connected to the connecting element, which can latch with rigid means on the wiper arm
Implementation Method 2
the spring force of the resilient means be so strong that they produce a clearly perceptible noise when they latch
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a wiper blade (10) in a flat beam construction, having a wiper strip (68) and at least one spring rail (70) as the carrier element, wherein a connection element (14) is attached in the center region of the wiper blade (10) on the spring rail auf (70), to which a cover (32) is firmly, but removably attached, being configured such that a wiper arm (48) extending laterally to the connection element (14) can be connected to a joint axis (52) extending lateral to the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade (10) and to the wiper blade (10) about the joint axis (52) in a pivoting manner using a bridge (54) parallel thereto. The invention proposes that spring-resilient means (28, 29, 64, 66, 78, 80) be provided on a component (24, 32) that is connected to the connection element (14) in a pivot-proof manner said means being able to engage into fixed means (58, 60, 62, 72, 76) on the wiper arm (48, 50), and said means limiting the pivot movement of the wiper blade (10) relative to the wiper arm (50) in the latched state.