Wiper Connection Device with Integrated Liquid Projection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional windshield wiper systems face issues with aerodynamic disturbances and high costs, particularly in the liquid projection system, which affects the efficiency and effectiveness of liquid splashing on the windshield.

Innovation Solution

A connection device that secures the wiper blade to the wiper arm, featuring a platform and a component with integrated liquid projection orifices and a duct for transporting liquid, allowing for efficient liquid distribution with minimal aerodynamic interference, and is economically advantageous by integrating the liquid projection function into the connection device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If nozzles are installed on the bonnet to spray liquid onto the windshield, then liquid projection function is achieved, but aerodynamic disturbances occur and manufacturing complexity increases due to holes in the cover

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidaerodynamic disturbances
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the liquid projection function with the connection device by integrating a component with projection orifices directly into the connection means that attaches the wiper blade to the wiper arm. This merging eliminates the need for separate nozzles on the bonnet, reducing aerodynamic disturbances and simplifying manufacturing by using an existing structural element for dual purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device acts as an intermediary between the wiper blade and the liquid projection system. By incorporating projection orifices in the component of the connection device, the system uses the connection structure itself as the medium for liquid delivery, avoiding the need for separate projection components and reducing aerodynamic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If nozzles are installed on the bonnet to spray liquid, then liquid projection is achieved, but the distance from nozzle to windshield surface increases reducing effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidliquid projection effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the liquid projection function with the connection device by integrating projection orifices directly into the component that connects the wiper blade to the wiper arm. This eliminates the distance gap between liquid projection point and windshield surface, significantly improving projection effectiveness while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the Aquablade technology with duct and projection orifices is used, then effective liquid projection is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid projection effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality to the connection device by enabling it to perform both its primary function of connecting the wiper blade to the wiper arm and a secondary function of projecting liquid onto the windshield through integrated orifices. This eliminates the need for separate Aquablade duct components, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining projection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device and liquid projection system are merged into a single integrated component. The component of the connection device incorporates projection orifices, combining structural and fluid projection functions into one element, thereby reducing part count and manufacturing cost compared to separate Aquablade technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effective liquid splashing on the windshield with reduced aerodynamic disturbances and lower costs, ensuring optimal windshield cleaning while protecting the connection from external attacks and impurities.

Implementation Method 1

at least one duct is formed in the component to transport the liquid from a liquid inlet to said orifice

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

A disadvantage of this type of system lies in the fact that it is necessary to make holes in the cover. Another disadvantage inherent in this technical solution resides in the distance which separates the nozzle from the surface of the windscreen which should be covered with liquid. The flow of air over the hood and over the windshield when the vehicle is in motion disturbs the projection of liquid.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic forces:

Data Source

PatentEP3069941B1Connection device between a windscreen wiper and an adapter of an arm
Publication Date: 2019.03.13 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
  • EP3069941B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3069941B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3069941B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a connection device 1 suitable for connecting a wiper blade of a vehicle window to a wiper arm, comprising a means for securing 3 to the wiper blade surmounted by a means for connecting 4 to an adapter connected to the wiper arm, characterized in that it comprises a platform 6 originating from the means for securing 3 and a component 7 originating on the platform 6, and in which the component 7, the platform 6 and the connecting means 4 at least partially delimit a housing 8 suitable for receiving at least a part of the adapter.