Motor Vehicle Wiper Connector Locking for One-Hand Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper systems for motor vehicles face challenges in easy assembly and secure retention of connectors to drive arms, particularly in configurations with limited accessibility and visibility, such as rear windows, where the user has only one hand available for assembly and is prone to disconnection during automatic washing systems.
Innovation Solution
A wiper system design featuring a connecting device with a connector and connecting shaft, where the locking zone is positioned between the entrance of the receiving housing and the end of the drive arm, allowing for relative translational movement for secure locking and easy assembly, even in configurations with reduced visibility, using injection-molded plastics for durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connector is designed for direct engagement in the drive arm terminal, then the assembly simplicity is improved, but the retention reliability deteriorates under stress conditions like automatic washing
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into distinct functional zones: an entrance region for easy engagement, a locking zone positioned between the entrance and drive arm end for secure retention, and a receiving housing for the connecting shaft. This segmentation allows the connector to be easily assembled while maintaining reliable retention under stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking zone is pre-positioned within the receiving housing structure before assembly occurs. This preliminary configuration ensures that once the connecting shaft is inserted through the entrance, it automatically engages the pre-positioned locking zone, providing both easy assembly and reliable retention without requiring additional assembly steps.
2Ease of operation
If the drive arm is moved away from the glazed surface for disengagement, then the connector accessibility is improved, but the operation complexity increases for rear window configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The locking zone is positioned along the longitudinal axis of the drive arm, between the entrance and the drive arm end, rather than requiring movement perpendicular to the glazed surface. This dimensional repositioning allows connector engagement and disengagement to occur in a linear motion along the drive arm length, simplifying the operation especially for rear window configurations where the drive arm lacks a stable disengaged position.
3Ease of operation
If the locking zone is positioned between the entrance and drive arm end, then the assembly ease is improved with one-hand operation, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving housing is designed to integrate multiple functions: it provides the entrance for the connecting shaft, contains the locking zone for retention, and structures the overall connecting device. This merging of functions into a single integrated component achieves one-hand assembly capability while minimizing structural complexity compared to separate components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a wiper system for a motor vehicle, comprising a drive arm and a wiper which are connected to one another by a connecting device which comprises a connector secured to the wiper and a connecting shaft, the drive arm comprising a first end via which it is attached to a drive means, and a second end, opposite to the first end in a longitudinal direction of the drive arm, the connecting device comprising a receiving housing for receiving the connecting shaft, the receiving housing comprising an entrance by means of which the connecting shaft is received in the receiving housing and a locking zone for locking the connecting shaft, characterized in that the locking zone is positioned between the entrance of the receiving housing and the second end of the drive arm.