Wiper Blade Connector Airflow Channels Against Liquid Suction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The suction phenomenon of liquids accumulated on the windshield between the wiper blade and the windshield pillar during the downward phase of the wiper blade movement can reduce driver visibility and pose a safety hazard by bringing liquids back into the driver's field of vision.

Innovation Solution

A connector for the wiper blade system with a U-shaped body and air flow guiding channels that direct air towards the windshield to expel accumulated liquids, minimizing the suction effect by aerodynamic means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the wiper blade moves downward from high position to low position, then the windshield surface is covered again, but liquid suction phenomenon occurs that brings liquid back into driver's field of vision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiping effectivenessVSAvoidliquid suction phenomenon

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the air flow naturally present during wiper operation and redirects it through channels in the connector body to create a beneficial airflow pattern that pushes liquid away from the driver's field of vision, converting the harmful suction effect into a beneficial liquid-expelling effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic principles by designing channels that guide air flow through the connector body to create pressure differential that expels accumulated liquid from the windshield surface, using gas flow to solve a liquid-related problem

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If air flow channels are added to the connector body, then liquid suction phenomenon is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid suction phenomenonVSAvoidconnector structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector body is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the wiper blade assembly and simultaneously acts as a liquid expulsion device through its integrated air flow channels, eliminating the need for separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the structural connector function with the liquid control function by integrating air flow channels directly into the connector body, combining two functions into a single component to avoid increasing overall device complexity

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

Significantly reduces the suction phenomenon, ensuring optimal driver visibility by expelling accumulated liquids away from the wiper blade, thus enhancing safety during windshield wiping operations.

Implementation Method 1

a device for guiding at least one air flow towards a surface to be wiped in order to reduce a liquid suction phenomenon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic flow guidance: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11981295B2Wiper blade connector

Publication Date: 2024.05.14 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS

AI summary

The invention relates to a connector (10) for a wiping system (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a elongated connector body (50) which has an elongated shape and is configured to be mounted on a wiper blade (2), characterized in that the connector body (50) comprises a device for guiding at least one air flow towards a surface to be wiped (40) in order to reduce a liquid suction phenomenon.