Windscreen Wiper Connector Metal Contact Spring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing windscreen wiper connectors face challenges in maintaining reliable electrical contact with heating elements under stress conditions such as vibrations and road imperfections, while also being cost-effective and simple to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

A windscreen wiper blade connector with a metal part that exerts pressure against the heating element for permanent contact, using a design that includes a metal part extending perpendicularly to the heating element, which also performs a compression spring function and hydraulic sealing, ensuring reliable contact and insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a simple electrical connection path is used in the connector, then manufacturing cost and simplicity are improved, but reliable electrical contact under vibration and stress conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidelectrical contact reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The metal part is designed with elastic properties to dynamically adapt to vibrations and stress conditions, maintaining reliable electrical contact through continuous pressure adjustment rather than rigid fixed contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic metal part changes its pressure parameter in response to vibrations and stress, automatically adjusting the contact force to maintain reliable electrical connection under varying operational conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If pressure is exerted against the heating element to ensure permanent contact, then electrical contact reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical contact reliabilityVSAvoidconnector structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic metal part serves itself by automatically exerting pressure against the heating element through its inherent elastic properties, eliminating the need for additional springs, adjusters, or complex pressure-maintenance mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic material's natural parameter of elasticity provides the necessary pressure force, converting material property into functional pressure without requiring separate pressure-generating components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the metal part extends perpendicularly to the heating element, then contact stability under stress is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact stabilityVSAvoidperpendicular alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The perpendicular extension creates an asymmetric contact geometry that provides mechanical stability against stress and vibration, with the orientation providing inherent resistance to displacement forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic metal part dynamically maintains perpendicular alignment through its flexibility, absorbing manufacturing tolerances and stress-induced deformations while preserving the effective perpendicular contact orientation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution ensures consistent and reliable electrical contact with heating elements, preventing short circuits and maintaining contact quality despite vibrations and road shocks, while being cost-effective and simple to manufacture.

Implementation Method 1

at least one metal part exerting pressure against said heating element so as to ensure permanent contact with said heating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

said metal part performs a compression spring function

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2588350B1Windscreen wiper connector including an internal electrical contact spring
Publication Date: 2018.05.23 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
  • EP2588350B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2588350B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2588350B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a connector for holding a wiper blade (3) on a windscreen wiper arm, said connector comprising an internal device providing an electrical connection between (i) an electrical connector connected to the electrical circuit of the vehicle and (ii) at least one heating element (11) disposed on a strengthening piece (20) inside in the blade. The invention is characterised in that the internal connection device comprises at least one metal piece (10) that extends perpendicularly to the heating element (11) and exerts a pressure against said element such that there is a permanent contact therebetween.