Windscreen Wiper Connector Assembly Transverse Movement Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiper systems face challenges in securely transferring the connector between front and rear wiper blades due to size differences, leading to complications in implementing transverse forces and maintaining rotational mobility, resulting in transverse play and potential dislocation.

Innovation Solution

A connector and drive arm assembly with a bearing system that prevents transverse movement and rocking, utilizing a base with grooves and a body with specific width dimensions, and external/internal surfaces for secure attachment, ensuring no transverse play while allowing optimized rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the connector is made smaller to fit rear wiper blades, then the connector can be adapted for rear windows, but transverse forces become more complicated to implement and rotational mobility is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadapter compatibility between front and rear wiper bladesVSAvoidtransverse force transmission and rotational mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a blocking device that operates in the transverse dimension (perpendicular to the shaft axis) to prevent connector displacement. This adds a dimensional constraint that complements the rotational freedom around the shaft axis, resolving the contradiction by enabling small connector size while maintaining force transmission reliability through multi-dimensional constraint control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the connector allows rotational mobility around the shaft, then the wiper blade can rotate for proper sweeping motion, but transverse play and potential dislocation occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational mobility of wiper bladeVSAvoidtransverse position stability of connector
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the constraint functions into two independent parts: (1) a bearing that permits rotation around the shaft axis, and (2) a blocking device with external/Internal surfaces that prevents transverse displacement. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently - rotational freedom is maintained while transverse stability is ensured through the blocking mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the connector and drive arm have tight mechanical connection to prevent transverse play, then the connection becomes reliable and durable, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnector and drive arm assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the blocking function into the existing connector structure by integrating external blocking surfaces and corresponding internal surfaces into the connector body and drive arm components. This merging approach achieves reliable transverse constraint without adding separate blocking components, thereby maintaining connection reliability while minimizing assembly complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reliable, durable, and ergonomic mechanical connection that secures the wiper blade, preventing transverse jerks during sweeping and ensuring smooth operation without dislocation, enhancing the wiper system's performance across different windshield configurations.

Implementation Method 1

The outer face and the internal surface are polished

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The connector is provided with at least one bearing for receiving a shaft of the drive arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBall Bearing: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentEP3170708B1Assembly made up of a drive arm and a connector for a windscreen wiper
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
  • EP3170708B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3170708B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3170708B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly (2, 8) consisting of a drive arm (2) and a connector (8), the connector (8) being provided with at least one receiving bearing (15) for a shaft (2a) of the drive arm (2), the connector (8) comprising a base (9) for supporting a wiper blade (1) and surmounted by a body (10) having at least two external surfaces (13a) separated by a first width (L1), the base (9) having two external faces (22) separated by a second width which is greater than the first width, the shaft (2a) extending along a shaft axis (A1) between internal surfaces (23) of the drive arm (2), characterized in that said assembly (2, 8) is equipped with a device (22, 23) for blocking transverse movement of the connector (8) along the shaft axis (A1) which associates at least one external face (22) and at least one internal surface (23) in contact with each other.