Flat-Blade Wiper Connector With Multi-Axis Arm Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen wiper devices for automobiles lack flexibility to accommodate varying lengths of oscillating arms across different car manufacturers, limiting their ability to effectively wipe entire rear windows.
Innovation Solution
A universal connecting device with pivotally adjustable parts allows for the effective length of the oscillating arm to be customized by using multiple pivot axes, enabling the windscreen wiper device to be mounted on oscillating arms of different lengths, utilizing a bayonet connection and snap-on mechanism for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length connecting device is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the device cannot accommodate varying oscillating arm lengths across different car manufacturers
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into a first part and a second part that can be pivotally connected. The first part is rigidly connected to the longitudinal strips, while the second part is pivotally connected to the oscillating arm. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to different oscillating arm lengths while maintaining structural integrity and wiping effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device incorporates a pivotal connection between the first and second parts, allowing dynamic adjustment of the effective length. This dynamic feature enables the device to accommodate varying oscillating arm lengths from different car manufacturers while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pivot axes are provided for adjusting effective length, then adaptability to different oscillating arm lengths is improved, but the complexity of the connecting device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device provides multiple pivot axes (first, second, and third pivot axes) that serve multiple functions: they enable adaptation to different oscillating arm lengths, maintains standard effective length, and provide secure attachment points. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability while minimizing the number of separate parts needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The second part is snapped onto the first part in a nested configuration, with the pivotal connection integrated within the overall structure. This nesting approach allows multiple pivot axes to be incorporated without proportionally increasing the number of separate components, thus reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a snap-on mechanism is used for connecting parts, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but the strength and reliability of the connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-on mechanism utilizes a resilient tongue with a curved or U-shaped cross-section that engages into a correspondingly shaped hole. This curved geometry provides mechanical advantage and distributes forces across a larger contact area, enhancing connection reliability while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient tongue is designed to elastically deform during the snap-on process, changing its physical state from a relaxed position to a locked position. This parameter change (elastic deformation) enables secure connection under high forces while allowing simple snap-on assembly. The resilience of the material and the elastic deformation capability ensure both ease of operation and connection reliability.
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 provides a flexible and robust windscreen wiper system that can be adapted to various oscillating arm lengths, ensuring effective window wiping while minimizing parts and withstanding high forces, thus overcoming the limitations of existing designs.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient tongue arranged to engage into a correspondingly shaped hole in said oscillating arm
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~2(c)
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
A connecting device (6) for interconnecting a windscreen wiper device (1) of the flat blade type and an oscillating arm (7) pivotally connectable to said connecting device about a pivot axis near one end thereof, wherein said windscreen wiper device comprises an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade (2) of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes at least one groove (3), in which groove a longitudinal strip (4) of the carrier element is disposed, with the special feature that said connecting device comprises a first part (8) arranged to be connected to said windscreen wiper device, as well as a second part (9) arranged to be interposed between said first part and said oscillating arm, wherein said second part is arranged to be pivotally connected to said first part optionally around a first pivot axis (A1) or around a second pivot axis (A2, A3).