Laterally Integrated Wiper Connection Module Reducing Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connection modules for motor vehicle windscreen wipers, with hydraulic and electrical connectors arranged one on top of the other, significantly increase the height of the wiper device, obstructing driver visibility and reducing aerodynamic efficiency due to increased drag and lift degradation.
Innovation Solution
The connection module design features a hydraulic connector with at least one longitudinal routing channel arranged laterally between the two longitudinal routing channels of an electrical connector, reducing the overall height and visible bulk, thereby improving visibility and aerodynamic efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hydraulic connector and electrical connector are arranged one on top of the other, then the connection module provides complete hydraulic and electrical coupling, but the height of the connection module increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement (one dimension) to a lateral integration arrangement (another dimension). The hydraulic connector and electrical connector are positioned side-by-side laterally rather than stacked vertically, thereby reducing the height along the normal to the windscreen while maintaining all coupling functions through spatial reconfiguration.
2Illumination intensity
If the connection module height is reduced by lateral arrangement, then driver visibility is improved, but the routing channel configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hydraulic connector and electrical connector into a laterally integrated assembly where both connectors share the same spatial plane. This combining approach allows the routing channels to be arranged adjacently rather than stacked, reducing height while the channels themselves maintain straightforward longitudinal paths that avoid excessive configurational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connection module extends heightwise, then all connectors can be accommodated, but aerodynamic efficiency is reduced due to increased drag and lift degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the connectors from a vertical arrangement (along the height dimension) to a lateral arrangement (along the width dimension). This dimensional shift reduces the height extension that interacts with airflow, thereby minimizing aerodynamic drag and lift degradation while still accommodating all necessary hydraulic and electrical connectors through lateral spatial distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection module 10 for a wiper device 1 of an outer surface 20 of a window 2 of a motor vehicle intended to be arranged between a windscreen wiper 30 and a driving arm 60, the connection module 10 comprising a hydraulic connector 12 and an electrical connector 14, one of the hydraulic 12 and electrical 14 connectors, called first connector, comprising at least one longitudinal electrical or hydraulic routing channel 120, the other of the hydraulic 12 and electrical 14 connectors, called second connector, comprising two longitudinal electrical or hydraulic routing channels 120, the connection module 10 being characterized in that the first connector is at least partially arranged laterally between the two longitudinal routing channels of the second connector.