Wiper Blade Supporting Element Thickened Portion Fixation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blade designs face challenges in securely fixing the wiper strip to the supporting element while minimizing construction space, leading to flow losses and wind noises, especially in high-speed vehicle applications.
Innovation Solution
A thickened portion is integrated at one end of the wiper strip, which can be latched onto a bridge connecting the spring rails or an end side of the spring rail, using an end cap that engages over the thickened portion and bridge with releasable latching means, allowing for secure fixation and easy removal, and optionally incorporating a flap or slide mechanism for improved handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wiper strip is securely fixed to the supporting element using existing designs with end caps and latching mechanisms, then the fixation reliability is improved, but the construction space increases leading to flow losses and wind noises
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap is merged with the thickened portion of the wiper strip to form an integrated unit. The thickened portion serves dual purposes: it provides a mounting surface for the end cap and acts as part of the latching mechanism itself, eliminating the need for separate latching components and reducing overall construction space
Solution Approach 2:
The end cap is designed to nest over the thickened portion of the wiper strip, with the latching mechanism nested within the end cap structure. The latching element is received within a recess of the end cap, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes protruding elements and reduces aerodynamic drag
2Reliability
If existing end caps are used to fix the wiper strip, then the wiper strip can be secured, but the end cap profile creates aerodynamic drag and wind noises at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap is designed with differentiated local qualities: the main body provides secure engagement with the thickened portion, while the outer contour is specifically shaped to be aerodynamically smooth and flush with the wiper blade profile. The latching surface has localized engagement features while the exterior maintains a streamlined appearance
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing the end cap first and then adding latching features, the invention inverts the approach by using the thickened portion of the wiper strip as the primary structural element and designing the end cap to conform to it. This ensures the end cap's outer profile can be optimized for aerodynamics while the internal structure provides secure latching
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a simple fixation method is used to reduce construction space, then flow losses and wind noises are reduced, but the fixation reliability and ease of removal deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that allow the end cap to be easily inserted and removed. The latching element can be deflectively engaged or disengaged from the thickened portion, providing a simple yet reliable fixation that maintains security during operation but allows easy removal when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The thickened portion of the wiper strip serves multiple functions autonomously: it provides structural reinforcement, creates a mounting surface for the end cap, and forms the latching interface itself. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional complex fixation components while maintaining reliable attachment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention is based on a wiper blade (10) with a supporting element (12) which has two interconnected spring rails (30), and with a wiper strip (14) which is received by the spring rails (30) in a manner allowing it to be exchanged. It is proposed that one end of the wiper strip (14) is connected fixedly to a thickened portion (74, 98, 100, 108, 110, 112, 114) by means of which the wiper strip (14) can be fixed relative to the supporting element (12).