Windscreen Wiper Connecting Device Cover Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing windscreen wiper devices with open connecting devices suffer from sharp edges and lack UV protection, making them difficult to use and aesthetically unappealing, while also being vulnerable to shock-induced movement.

Innovation Solution

A cover element, such as a cap, is rotatably mounted on the connecting device to cover the open end, providing protection against UV light and sharp edges, and featuring a locking mechanism with cooperating protrusions and recesses to securely attach the oscillating arm, ensuring easy assembly and disassembly without longitudinal movement during shocks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the connecting device has an open end for easy assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but sharp edges are exposed and UV protection is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidsharp edges and UV exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover element is designed to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis, transitioning between an open position for assembly and a closed position for protection. This dynamic design allows the same component to serve opposing functions at different times, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cover element acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the open connecting device and the external environment. When closed, it shields against harmful factors; when opened, it allows access for assembly, thus resolving the contradiction through a mediating structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the cover element is always closed for protection, then protection against harmful factors is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against sharp edges and UVVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable cover element dynamically switches between closed (protective) and open (accessible) states, allowing the system to maintain protection during normal operation while enabling easy assembly when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cover element's rotation mechanism allows users to easily open it for assembly and close it for protection without requiring additional tools or complex operations, making the system self-serving for both protection and assembly needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the cover element is fixed in closed position for protection, then protection is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprotectionVSAvoidadaptability for assembly and protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable cover element provides adaptability by allowing the user to switch between open and closed positions based on whether assembly or protection is the current need, making the system versatile rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the locking mechanism is strong to prevent movement during shocks, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability during shocksVSAvoidcomplexity of locking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is segmented into simple geometric features (protrusions and recesses) rather than a complex mechanical locking system. This segmentation achieves reliable locking through simple, distributed structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with simple geometric interlocking features (protrusions and recesses), achieving reliable shock resistance through basic geometric constraints rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution allows for efficient and safe introduction and removal of the oscillating arm, prevents sharp edges and UV exposure, and maintains the arm's position during shocks, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.

Implementation Method 1

the cover element is movable between said open and closed positions by rotation of the cover element about the longitudinal axis of the windscreen wiper device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

the cover element comprises a locking element for locking the arm to the connecting device... the wiper arm is locked onto the connecting device so that no longitudinal movement of the wiper arm is possible even when a force is applied thereon due to a shock

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

the connecting device and the cover element comprise at least one of a mutually cooperating protrusion or recess for maintaining the cover element in closed position... the joint piece and the cover element comprise at least one of a mutually cooperating protrusion or recess for attaching the cover element to the joint part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2571733B1Windscreen wiper device
Publication Date: 2018.06.13 FEDERAL MOGUL SA
  • EP2571733B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2571733B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2571733B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3F

AI summary

The invention relates to a windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade (2), which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade (2) includes at least one longitudinal groove (3) in which a longitudinal strip (4) of the carrier element is disposed, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device (6) for an oscillating arm (7), wherein said oscillating arm (7) is pivotally connected to said connecting device (6) about a pivot axis near one end thereof, with the interposition of a joint part (8), wherein said windscreen wiper device comprises a cover element (9) mounted movable onto said connecting device (6) between a closed position wherein an open end of the connecting device (6) is covered and an open position wherein the oscillating arm (7) can be mounted onto or removed from the connecting device (6) through said open end.