Windscreen Wiper Connecting Device Retaining Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing windscreen wiper devices experience reliability issues due to play in the connection between the connecting device and the oscillating arm, leading to frictional wear and increased manufacturing complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

The windscreen wiper device incorporates first and second retaining means, including resilient tongues and stop surfaces, to ensure a secure connection between the connecting device and the oscillating arm, with the resilient tongues snapping into holes and stop surfaces engaging to prevent separation, reducing wear and manufacturing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If multiple constructional parts are used to connect the connecting device and the oscillating arm, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidnumber of constructional parts

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple constructional parts into a single integrated connecting device that includes the connecting element and retaining means as one piece. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the structural strength required for the connection between the oscillating arm and the connecting device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural connection, retains the oscillating arm through resilient tongues, and prevents separation through stop surfaces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If a simple connection design is used between the connecting device and the oscillating arm, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the reliability diminishes due to play and wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining means incorporates resilient tongues that can dynamically adapt to operational forces. These tongues are designed to flex and engage with the oscillating arm, providing a reliable connection that accommodates dynamic loads while preventing play and wear through controlled engagement rather than rigid fixed connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stop surfaces are positioned to engage before excessive movement or wear can occur. This preventive design ensures that the connecting device and oscillating arm are retained in their proper positions throughout operation, cushioning against potential misalignment or separation before they can cause reliability issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If resilient tongues are used as retaining means, then the connection durability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection durabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient tongues are designed with specific material and geometric parameters that optimize their retaining function. By carefully selecting the elasticity, cross-section, and engagement geometry of the tongues, the design achieves durable retention without requiring complex additional structures, as the parameters themselves provide the necessary functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances the durability and reliability of the connection between the connecting device and the oscillating arm, reducing wear and manufacturing complexity, while maintaining a simple design.

Implementation Method 1

said first retaining means comprising at least one resilient tongue provided on said joint part engaging in a correspondingly shaped hole provided in said oscillating arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

said second retaining means comprising at least one first stop surface provided on the oscillating arm and at least one second stop surface provided on the joint part or the connecting device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS8549696B2Windscreen wiper device

Publication Date: 2013.10.08 TRICO BELGIUM SA

AI summary

A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, and an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, and 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 interposition of a joint part. The windscreen wiper device is provided with first and second retaining means for retaining the connecting device onto said oscillating arm. The first retaining means comprises at least one resilient tongue provided on the joint part engaging in a correspondingly shaped hole provided in the oscillating arm. The second retaining means comprises a least one first stop surface provided on the oscillating arm and at least one second stop surface provided on at least one of the joint part and connecting device.