Windscreen-Wiper Blade Support Device for Flat Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging solutions for flat-blade windscreen-wiper blades are inefficient due to difficulty in insertion and require excessive manufacturing for standardization, and often risk damaging the wiping strip, while also being unsuitable for reducing bulk and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a U-shaped rail and integral attachment and positioning means that securely hold the windscreen-wiper blade flat, featuring attachment points on either side of the opening and positioning means to guide and stabilize the blade, made from plastic injection or extrusion, with built-in protection for the wiping strip and stabilizing tabs for easy handling and stacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a longitudinally shaped packaging medium with notches or lugs is used to hold the windscreen-wiper blade flat, then the blade can be secured in a flat position, but it is difficult to insert the blade and requires a certain amount of time due to the forces causing it to return to its initial curved position
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is pre-formed with a curved configuration that matches the initial curved position of the windscreen-wiper blade. This preliminary shaping creates a natural guiding path that facilitates blade insertion while maintaining flat position stability once inserted.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device acts as an intermediary element between the curved blade and the flat packaging surface. It provides a transitional curved structure that gradually guides the blade from its curved state to a flat secured state, reducing insertion resistance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a longitudinal support element with locking means at its centre and support means at each end is used, then the windscreen-wiper blade can be held flat, but a large number of connectors are required making it difficult to industrialise
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed as a universal component with a single standardized connector type that can accommodate multiple blade configurations. The curved structure and attachment mechanism serve multiple functions: guiding insertion, maintaining flat position, and securing various blade types without requiring different connector designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is segmented into functional zones: a curved body portion for blade reception and positioning, and integrated attachment means at strategic locations. This segmentation allows a single standardized design to handle different blade types through selective attachment point engagement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the packaging is shaped in a particular fashion to match the curved shape of the windscreen-wiper blade, then the blade can be supported, but the bulk of products on the shelf increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved support device is designed to nest efficiently within compact packaging structures. The flexible curved form allows the supported blade to be folded or compressed into a smaller volume while maintaining the protective curved configuration during storage and transport.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a support device for a windscreen-wiper blade comprising a wiping strip (3) and a structure element (8), the device having an open section (5a) designed for receiving the wiping strip (3) of the windscreen-wiper blade (2), to allow it to be held substantially flat.According to the invention, the support device (1) comprises,means (7) for positioning the windscreen-wiper blade (2) in the support device (1),means (6) for attaching the windscreen-wiper blade (2) in the support device (1), said attachment means being in the form of at least one attachment point (6a) acting on the structure element (8) of the windscreen-wiper blade (2).The invention also relates to a support assembly for windscreen-wiper blades comprising two support devices, a packaging integrating a support device or assembly and a method of mounting a windscreen-wiper blade in a support device.