Windscreen Wiper Connector With Longitudinal Locking Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen wiper connectors require excessive force for installation, risk damage during installation, and are not adaptable to different wiper structures due to integrated attachment and locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with separate installation and locking elements, featuring elastically deformable flanges and a longitudinal locking tab, allowing for easy installation and removal without transverse deformation, and compatible with various wiper structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastic fitting with transverse flange separation is used for connector installation, then the connector can be installed on the arm, but excessive force is required and damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional parts: the body with longitudinal locking tabs for arm attachment, and lateral flanges with transverse elastic portions for wiper attachment. This segmentation allows each part to perform its function independently without requiring excessive force from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using transverse flange separation for both arm and wiper attachment (which requires excessive force), the invention inverts the approach by using longitudinal locking tabs for arm attachment and reserved transverse elasticity only for wiper attachment, thereby reducing installation force requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If transverse flange deformation is used during installation, then the connector can be fitted, but subsequent installation on the arm is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional parts: the body with longitudinal locking tabs for arm attachment, and lateral flanges with transverse elastic portions for wiper attachment. This segmentation allows the wiper to be attached before or after arm installation without interference, as each attachment mechanism operates independently in its own direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse elastic portions are designed to be deformable only in the transverse direction for wiper attachment, while the longitudinal locking tabs remain rigid for arm attachment. This dynamic differentiation allows flexible installation sequences without compromising either attachment mechanism.
3Device complexity
If attachment and locking means are integrated in a single part, then the connector structure is simplified, but a specific connector is required for each wiper type
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body with longitudinal locking tabs serves as a universal interface for arm attachment, while the lateral flanges with transverse elastic portions provide a standardized interface for wiper attachment. This multi-functionality allows the same connector design to work with different wiper types without requiring integration of attachment and locking means in a single part.
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
Enables easy and damage-free installation of windscreen wiper connectors on drive arms, with the ability to install or remove them without transverse deformation, and supports various wiper structures by separating installation and locking functions.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable locking device having one portion that is capable of locking in the longitudinal direction of the connector (10) in its installed position in the free end (14a) of the arm (14)
Implementation Method 2
each flange of the connector comprises a lateral portion that can be deformed elastically and which is shaped such as to allow the installation of the end of the arm on the connector by elastic insertion following a downward vertical movement
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly including a windscreen wiper and a connector between the windscreen wiper and a drive arm, the wiper extending in a longitudinal direction, and the connector is capable of being installed in a free end of the drive arm and further includes an attachment element permanently fixed to the wiper, and an installation element pivotally mounted onto the attachment element. The installation element includes elastically deformable locking means with a portion that is capable of ensuring locking in the longitudinal direction of the connector in an installed position thereof in the free end of the arm. The locking means includes a tab that extends in the longitudinal direction of the wiper. The attachment element is configured to restrict the ability of the tab to pivot.