Rotary Snap Connection for Wiper Cleaning Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices for windshield wiper systems are difficult to mount and dismount, and their secure attachment to the wiper arm is challenging, especially under forces like those encountered in vehicle cleaning systems, leading to unreliable detachment.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device with guide means that allow for a rotary latching connection between the cleaning device and the wiper arm, featuring separate latching elements and guide means optimized for functionality, ensuring secure attachment and easy assembly/disassembly through a torque-based mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cleaning device is integrated within the cross section of the wiper arm, then the cleaning device is securely attached to the wiper arm, but the arrangement and assembly become relatively difficult and separate exchange for repair or maintenance is very difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is separated from the wiper arm into two independent components that connect via a latching mechanism. The cleaning device can be detached and replaced independently without affecting the wiper arm structure, enabling easy maintenance while maintaining secure attachment during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The latching connection incorporates a clip element that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states. This allows the cleaning device to be securely attached during normal operation but easily detached when needed for maintenance or replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a cleaning device is connected via a simple latching connection, then the assembly is simple, but the detachment under forces acting in a single direction (such as washing brushes in a vehicle cleaning system) cannot be reliably avoided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoiddetachment resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latching connection uses an asymmetric clip element design where the engagement geometry allows easy insertion but resists removal under single-direction forces. The clip element's shape creates a mechanical advantage that secures the connection against detachment forces while maintaining simple assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If a cleaning device is integrated within the cross section of the wiper arm, then the cleaning device is securely attached to the wiper arm, but the width of the wiper arm must be enlarged which increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidwiper arm structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is separated from the wiper arm into two independent components that connect via a latching mechanism. The cleaning device can be detached and replaced independently without affecting the wiper arm structure, enabling easy maintenance while maintaining secure attachment during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3115265B1Cleaning device for a wiper arm of a windscreen wiper system, wiper arm and a windscreen wiper system
Publication Date: 2019.10.23 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
  • EP3115265B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3115265B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8
  • EP3115265B1 patent drawingFigure 9~10

AI summary

The invention relates to a cleaning device (10; 10a) for a wiper arm (1) of a windshield wiper system (100), wherein the cleaning device (10; 10a) has at least one spray nozzle (21, 22) for a cleaning fluid, wherein the cleaning device (10; 10a) is configured to form a snap connection (30) on the wiper arm (1), and wherein the snap connection (30) on the cleaning device (10; 10a) has at least one clip element in the form of an elastically designed snap element (40; 40a) configured to interact with a snap receptacle (54; 54a) on the wiper arm (1). According to the invention, the cleaning device (10; 10a) has first guide means (35) configured to enable the cleaning device (10; 10a) to rotate in a rotary axis (37) to form the snap connection (30).