Wiper Blade Center Mounting Base for Aerodynamic Spring Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blade assemblies lack a center mounting base for attaching springs and spoilers that conform to the shape of the wiping element to enhance aerodynamics, leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A center mounting base with pockets for securing springs and tabs for alignment with an adapter holder, featuring a continuous profile matching the spoilers to guide the wiping element through either spoiler, with crimping for spring retention and locking tabs for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a center mounting base with continuous profile matching spoilers is used to guide wiping element, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The center mounting base integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support for mounting springs and spoilers, features a continuous lower profile that matches the spoiler shape for aerodynamic flow, and includes guidance channels for the wiping element. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate parts while achieving aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The center mounting base serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a mounting structure for springs and spoilers, provides aerodynamic shaping through its continuous profile, and guides the wiping element through integrated channels. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving aerodynamic performance without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If crimping process is used to secure springs in pockets, then spring retention reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The center mounting base is pre-formed with pockets that are specifically shaped and positioned to receive the springs. The crimping features are integrated into the base structure during manufacturing, so that during assembly the springs are simply inserted into the pre-prepared pockets and secured through the pre-formed crimping mechanism, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If alignment holes and locking tabs are added to secure center mounting base to adapter holder, then mounting reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tabs are positioned asymmetrically on the center mounting base, with specific tabs located at predetermined positions that engage with corresponding features on the adapter holder. This asymmetric arrangement provides reliable positioning and locking while requiring minimal additional components, as the tabs are integrated into the base structure rather than being separate elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper blade assembly including a center mounting base having two pockets extending along a length of the center mounting base, a gap between the two pockets, an adapter holder mounted to the center mounting base and including a first recess at a first side of the adapter holder and a second recess at a second side of the adapter holder, and two springs positioned within the two pockets of the center mounting base.