Windscreen Wiper Connecting Device U-Shaped Snap Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen wiper devices experience high forces at the connection between the connecting device and the oscillating arm, leading to the wiper blade becoming loose due to inadequate retention.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with U-shaped cross-section parts that snap together upon insertion of the oscillating arm, utilizing protrusions and holes for secure attachment, along with resilient tongues and cam mechanisms to ensure retention and easy release, minimizing the use of parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple connection between the connecting device and oscillating arm is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates due to high forces causing the wiper blade to become loose
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into two separate parts: a first part retained onto the wiper blade and a second part with U-shaped cross-section that connects to the oscillating arm. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and reliability of the connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The second part with U-shaped cross-section is inserted into the first part, creating a nested structure. The U-shaped legs bend outwardly upon insertion of the oscillating arm, enabling the parts to snap together securely. This nesting approach provides a reliable connection while minimizing the number of separate components.
2Reliability
If a secure connection mechanism is implemented to prevent the wiper blade from becoming loose, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional retaining parts
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped legs are designed to be flexible and bendable, allowing them to dynamically adjust during the snapping operation. The legs bend outwardly upon insertion of the oscillating arm and then spring back to secure the connection. This dynamic behavior provides reliable retention without requiring additional rigid retaining parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The U-shaped legs automatically snap the first and second parts together through elastic deformation when the oscillating arm is inserted. The resilient tongues and cam mechanisms provide self-retaining functionality, eliminating the need for separate locking parts or complex fastening mechanisms.
3Reliability
If multiple retaining mechanisms are added to secure the connection under high forces, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped legs and resilient tongues are designed to be flexible, allowing easy insertion and removal of the oscillating arm. During assembly, the legs bend outwardly to accommodate insertion, then snap back to secure the connection. During disassembly, the flexible elements allow straightforward removal without requiring tools or complex maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanisms are positioned to automatically engage and lock the connection during the insertion process itself. The high forces that could potentially loosen the connection are counteracted by the cam geometry that maintains engagement during normal operation, while still allowing easy release when needed.
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 provides a secure and reliable connection between the wiper blade and oscillating arm, preventing the wiper blade from becoming loose during use, while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
each leg of said U-shaped cross-section is allowed to bend outwardly upon insertion of the oscillating arm into said second part for connecting said first and second parts together through a snapping operation
Data Source
AI summary
A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes opposing longitudinal grooves on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves spaced-apart longitudinal strips of the carrier element are disposed, wherein neighboring ends of said longitudinal strips are interconnected by a respective connecting piece, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm is pivotally connected to the connecting device about a pivot axis near one end, with the special feature that the connecting device comprises at least two parts provided with protrusion/hole features for detachably connecting the parts together, wherein the first part is retained onto the wiper blade and wherein the second part has an at least substantially U-shaped cross-section at the location of its connection to said first part, wherein each leg of said U-shaped cross-section is allowed to bend outwardly upon insertion of the oscillating arm into said second part for connecting said first and second parts together through a snapping operation.