Wiper Blade Cap Spoiler Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blade designs face challenges in simplifying the assembly process and manufacturing costs, particularly in securely connecting the end cap and spoiler components while ensuring a robust and precise attachment mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A detachable cap spoiler with latching hooks and cams that engage with the guide part's cutouts and recesses, facilitated by a clip connection and elastic deflection, along with a connecting film for secure assembly and a groove for precise alignment, allows for a simplified and cost-effective assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional multi-component extrusion process is used to produce carrier and spoiler in one operation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap assembly is divided into separate components: the guide part and the cap spoiler can be manufactured independently and then assembled using a clip connection with latching hooks and cams. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized separately for manufacturing while simplifying the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
A connecting film acts as an intermediary element between the guide part and cap spoiler during assembly. The film is separated during assembly when the spoiler cap is pressed across the guide part, facilitating the connection process while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If traditional positive connection via retaining rail is used, then strength of connection is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism transitions from rigid positive connection to a dynamic assembly process using elastic deflection. The latching hooks with bevels allow the cap spoiler to be pressed into place with controlled deformation, making assembly easier while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties are utilized to enable elastic deformation during assembly. The latching hooks and cams are designed to deflect elastically during the pressing operation, allowing for easier assembly while achieving secure connection after assembly when the materials return to their original state.
3Ease of operation
If latching hooks with bevels are used for assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting film and elastic latching hooks provide flexibility during assembly, compensating for minor dimensional variations. The film can deform to accommodate slight misalignments while still achieving proper connection, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements.
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 enables a secure, easy-to-assemble wiper blade design with reduced manufacturing costs, ensuring a robust connection between the cap spoiler, guide part, and spring rail, while maintaining structural integrity and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
elastic deflection
Implementation Method 2
latching hooks with latching cams on its side facing the guide part, which engage through cutouts in the guide part and cutouts in the longitudinal channel in the installed state in cutouts in the spring rail and latch on the spring rail or the guide part
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~7
Figure 8~9
AI summary
The windshield wiper (10) has a wiper blade (18), a spoiler (12) and a spring rail (28) which is arranged in a longitudinal channel (26). A guide component (38) forms an end cap (58) with a cap spoiler which is detached from the guide component. A separation plane runs between the guide component and the cap spoiler parallel to a wide side of the spring rail. The cap spoiler has an engagement hook with an engaging cam on its side facing the guide component for engaging in a recess of the spring rail.