Windshield Wiper Arm Bracket With Adaptable Pin Interface

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing windshield wiper arm brackets face challenges in securely accommodating pin arms of varying sizes without the need for multiple holes, and in providing a robust connection to windshield wiper assemblies.

Innovation Solution

A windshield wiper arm bracket with centrally located pin arm receiving holes and an adaptable mechanism, including a pin arm adaptor with a flexible web portion, allows for secure attachment of different sized pin arms using a single hole, and a crimped attachment system to connect to spring steel elements in the wiper assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple holes are provided in the bracket to accommodate pin arms of varying sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of pin arms of varying sizesVSAvoidnumber of holes in bracket
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single pin arm receiving hole is designed to universally accommodate pin arms of various sizes through the adaptor mechanism. The adaptor serves multiple functions: it attaches to the bracket post, receives the pin arm, and provides adjustment capability, thereby eliminating the need for multiple specialized holes in the bracket itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptor acts as an intermediary component between the bracket and the pin arm. Instead of modifying the bracket to accommodate different pin arm sizes, the adaptor mediates this interface, providing size adaptation while keeping the bracket structure simple with a single hole.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single hole is used for all pin arm sizes, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of holes in bracketVSAvoidaccommodation of pin arms of varying sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the bracket with its single receiving hole, the adaptor that attaches to the hole, and the pin arm. This segmentation allows the bracket to remain simple while the adaptor handles the adaptability requirements for different pin arm sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptor incorporates dynamic adjustment capability, allowing it to adapt to different pin arm sizes. The set screw mechanism enables the adaptor to be adjusted and secured at different positions along the pin arm, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed holes in the bracket.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the bracket structure is simplified, then ease of manufacture is improved, but connection robustness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebracket structure simplicityVSAvoidconnection robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adaptor merges multiple connection functions into a single component: it attaches to the bracket post, secures the pin arm, and provides adjustment capability. This consolidation simplifies the bracket structure while maintaining robust connections through the integrated adaptor assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adaptor is constructed from composite materials including a resilient body and a set screw, combining different material properties to achieve both simplicity and robustness. The resilient material provides flexibility and shock absorption, while the set screw provides secure mechanical fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS8166605B2Windshield wiper arm bracket
Publication Date: 2012.05.01 ALBEREE PRODS
  • US8166605B2 patent drawing
  • US8166605B2 patent drawing
  • US8166605B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A windshield wiper arm bracket includes a pair of side walls. Each of said side walls include at least one centrally located pin arm receiving hole formed therein. The bracket also includes a post attaching the pair of side walls together. The post is for receiving a pin arm adaptor thereon. The bracket also includes an attachment arm formed on a bottom of each of the pair of side walls. The attachment arms are for connecting the bracket to a windshield wiper assembly. An adaptor for a windshield wiper arm bracket includes a top portion and a web portion. The web portion includes a central aperture formed therein. The central aperture includes a first portion for receiving a post of the windshield wiper arm bracket and a second aperture for receiving a pin arm of a windshield wiper arm.