Windscreen Wiper Connector With Side Locking Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for assembling a drive arm to a windscreen wiper, particularly side lock or side hook connectors, lack stability in their offset connection means, allowing for undue movement and instability.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a connection device with a first member interacting with the wiper's base, including retention means such as elastic tabs and hooks, and side locking tabs that securely attach to the wiper's edge, ensuring stable assembly and locking both top and bottom, thereby preventing movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a side lock or side hook connector with offset connection means is used, then the connector can be assembled to the wiper, but the connection stability is insufficient allowing undue movement
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into multiple functional components: a first member that interacts with the housing in the base, side locking tabs that project from side walls, and bridges connecting these elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the first member provides primary attachment, while the side locking tabs prevent lateral movement, collectively solving the stability issue
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a single-plane connection to a three-dimensional locking system. The side locking tabs project perpendicularly from side walls to engage with the wiper body, adding lateral constraint dimensions. This multi-dimensional engagement prevents undue movement in all directions, resolving the position stability problem
2Ease of manufacture
If retention means are exposed on the connector, then assembly is simple, but the retention means may be damaged or malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The retention means (side locking tabs) are nested within or protected by the housing structure. The first member interacts with the housing to secure the connector, while the side locking tabs are positioned to engage with the wiper body in a protected manner. This nesting arrangement protects the retention means from external damage while maintaining their functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary between the retention means and the external environment. The first member interacts with the housing, and the housing in turn provides protection and guidance for the retention means. This intermediary structure shields the retention means from direct exposure to damaging factors while preserving assembly simplicity
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 connector provides enhanced stability and durability by securely attaching to the windscreen wiper, ensuring the drive arm remains firmly connected during angular movements, improving the overall performance and reliability of the wiper mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the retention means comprises at least one pair of elastic tabs designed to interact by snap-fitting with a first transverse pin arranged inside the housing
Implementation Method 2
at least one side locking tab of the connection device projects perpendicularly from the side wall in the direction of the housing, the side locking tab being designed to interact with a side edge of the windscreen wiper
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector (3) for assembling a drive arm of a motor vehicle to a windscreen wiper (2), said connector (3) comprising:a connection device (15) designed to interact with a base (10) of a windscreen wiper (2) to reversibly secure the connector (3) to the windscreen wiper (2),a side interface (16) on a side wall (17) of the connection device (15), said interface (16) comprising a second transverse pin (18) designed to be connected to a drive arm,characterized in that the connection device (15) comprises:a first member (26) designed to interact with a housing (11) in the base (10) of the windscreen wiper (2), the first member (26) being connected to the side wall (17) by at least one bridge (23), andat least one side locking tab (22a, 22b) projecting perpendicularly from the side wall (17) in the direction of the housing (11), the side locking tab (22a, 22b) being designed to interact with a side edge (24) of the windscreen wiper (2) arranged on the opposite side to the housing (11).The present invention also relates to a wiper device.