Two-Piece Wiper Connector Segmentation for Universal Arm Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing central connection devices for flat blade windshield wipers are proprietary, making them incompatible with older style wiper arms, and lack design features for strength, low cost, ease of manufacturing, and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A two-part central connecting device comprising a rigid housing and an intermediate base with shaped keyways and upstanding keys, allowing for secure and adaptable attachment to wiper arms, including older yoke-style blades, using ultrasonic welding and heat-staking for assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a proprietary connector design is used, then the connection strength is improved, but the adaptability to different wiper arm styles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate components: a housing that attaches to the wiper blade and a separate adapter that interfaces with different wiper arm styles. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the housing provides strong attachment to the blade while the adapter provides versatility for different arm styles, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates multiple adapter options that can be interchanged to work with different wiper arm styles (traditional J-hook, side pin, bayonet, etc.). This multi-functionality allows a single housing design to serve universal purposes across different vehicle types, maintaining adaptability while preserving the strong connection capability through the standardized housing interface.
2Strength
If a complex proprietary connector design is used, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the connector into a standardized housing and separate adapters, the manufacturing process is simplified. The housing can be mass-produced using standard injection molding techniques with consistent geometry, while adapters can be produced separately and attached through simple processes. This segmentation avoids the complexity of manufacturing a single integrated proprietary design while maintaining connection strength through the standardized interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses standardized parameters and dimensions for the housing that are compatible with common manufacturing capabilities. The key features such as the attachment points to the wiper blade and the adapter interfaces use standard tolerances and geometries that can be manufactured efficiently, reducing complexity while preserving the necessary connection strength through proper material selection and structural design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex connector design is used, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is segmented into a simple, standardized housing and interchangeable adapters. The housing itself remains relatively simple in design, focusing on providing a strong attachment point to the wiper blade. The complexity of adaptability is isolated to the separate adapter components, which can be easily attached and removed. This segmentation reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability through the modular adapter system.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the standardized housing and various wiper arm styles. Instead of designing complex integrated connectors for each arm style, the adapter serves as a mediator that translates between the simple housing interface and the diverse arm configurations. This intermediary approach reduces device complexity by keeping the housing design simple while achieving adaptability through the intermediary adapter layer.
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 strong, lightweight, and cost-effective connection system that is easily manufactured and adaptable to various wiper arm configurations, enhancing the functionality and aesthetic appeal of windshield wiper blade assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The key includes a lip overhanging the floor section for securing the housing in an operative position with respect to the flexor
Implementation Method 2
A connecting device is affixed along the length of the flexor for providing a connection point to the sweeping end of the wiper arm
Data Source
AI summary
A central connecting device (36) for a flat blade style wiper blade assembly (20) includes a plastic intermediate base (38) that is fixed, such as by ultrasonic welding, to a pair of flexors (26) extending the length of the wiper blade assembly (20). The intermediate base (38) includes a recessed deck section (42) for receiving a metallic housing (54). The housing (54) is heat-staked in position to the intermediate base (38) to secure the two elements together as an integral unit. A rivet (78) extends transversely across the sidewalls (58) of the housing (54) for adjoining to a universal connector (82) or other suitable adaptor or by direction connection to the end of a wiper arm.