Windscreen Wiper Casing Integrating Cable Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The U-shaped curved portions of electric cables and fluid lines in windscreen wiper systems are prone to stress and deformation during operation, leading to potential deterioration and loss of supply to heating and spraying means.
Innovation Solution
A casing for the windscreen wiper drive rod with detachable fixing means and support/guiding features that securely engage with the drive rod and pivot pin, guiding electric cables and fluid lines to manage deformations and movements, enhancing the aesthetic and functional aspects of the casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the casing is designed to cover the drive rod for aesthetic purposes only, then the appearance is improved, but the cables and lines remain exposed to stress and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides aesthetic coverage for the drive rod while also serving as a protective structure for the cables and lines through integrated support and guiding means, eliminating the need for separate protective components
Solution Approach 2:
The support and guiding means for the cables and lines are integrated within the casing structure itself, nesting the cable protection function inside the aesthetic housing rather than requiring external separate protection mechanisms
2Reliability
If the casing includes support and guiding means for cables and lines, then cable durability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support and guiding means are merged with the casing structure, combining the aesthetic housing function with the cable protection function into a single integrated component rather than separate elements
Solution Approach 2:
The casing incorporates flexible or streamlined guiding surfaces that naturally route the cables and lines without requiring rigid structural additions, maintaining simplicity while providing protection
3Ease of operation
If detachable fixing means are used to secure the casing to the drive rod and pivot pin, then ease of installation and maintenance is improved, but the risk of detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing means are designed to be self-securing through resilient detent mechanisms that automatically engage and lock the casing to the drive rod and pivot pin without requiring additional fastening operations or tools
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanisms utilize curved or rounded engagement surfaces that provide mechanical interlocking through geometric shape, creating inherent resistance to detachment while maintaining easy installation through simple insertion motions
Data Source
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AI summary
Casing (20') for a windscreen wiper drive rod, in particular of a motor vehicle, said casing being configured to cover at least a portion of said drive rod and comprising means for fixing to said drive rod and/or to at least one element (42) linked to said drive rod, characterised in that it further comprises support and guiding means (70) which are configured to cooperate with at least one electric cable (63) and/or at least one fluid line (64) of said windscreen wiper.