Wiper Blade Connector Cap Positioning for Reliable Hook Immobilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiper systems for motor vehicles suffer from unreliable positioning of the cover over the connector opening, leading to reduced reliability of the wiper's longitudinal immobilization and an unesthetic appearance.

Innovation Solution

A connector for a wiper system featuring a main body with a rotary cover that includes a bearing device to securely position the rotary cover relative to the main body, ensuring reliable immobilization of the hook and maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cover is made removable to allow wiper fitting and removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the cover becomes unreliable in position and liable to be pushed into the connector

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiper fitting and removalVSAvoidcover positioning reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A positioning protrusion on the cover acts as an intermediary element that engages with a corresponding recess in the connector body. This mechanical interface serves as a mediator between the cover and connector, ensuring the cover remains reliably positioned while still allowing removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover and connector body are given specific local geometric features (protrusion and recess) at the interface area. These localized structural modifications create a reliable positioning mechanism without affecting the overall removability of the cover.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the cover is made removable for wiper installation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the appearance becomes unesthetic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiper installationVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning protrusion and recess create a precise mechanical interface that ensures the cover sits flush and properly aligned with the connector body. This reliable positioning maintains the aesthetic appearance by preventing gaps or misalignment while still allowing the cover to be removed for wiper installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the opening in the connector is made large enough to allow hook engagement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the cover must be larger and may interfere with the hook

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehook engagementVSAvoidcover size and positioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the entire cover larger, a specific local feature (positioning protrusion) is added to the cover. This localized modification allows the cover to maintain its original size while providing the necessary positioning function to prevent interference with the hook engagement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12280747B2Connector for a wiper blade
Publication Date: 2025.04.22 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
  • US12280747B2 patent drawing
  • US12280747B2 patent drawing
  • US12280747B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A connector for a wiper blade, comprising at least a main body and a rotating cap, comprising at least one cover wall, a reinforcing wall, a hinge and an attachment device for rigidly connecting the rotating cap relative to an end wall of the main body, the hinge being arranged at one of the longitudinal ends of the cover wall and ensuring a rotation of the rotating cap about an axis, the reinforcing wall extending from the cover wall towards the end wall of the main body, the rotating cap further comprising a device for supporting the rotating cap on the end wall of the main body.