Windscreen Wiper Connector Assembly with Universal Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aftermarket windscreen wiper blades are often sold with connector assemblies that can only be attached to a single type of wiper arm, making it difficult for consumers to choose the correct wiper blades for their vehicles without knowing the type of wiper arm installed.
Innovation Solution
A wiper blade assembly with a longitudinally extending wiper strip and carrier elements that can be configured with various connector bodies and adapters for attachment to different types of wiper arms, allowing for easy installation and removal without special tools, and featuring a low-profile connection design to improve visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connector assembly is designed to attach to a single type of wiper arm, then the connection structure is simple and reliable, but the customer cannot easily choose the correct wiper blade without knowing the wiper arm type
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is designed with multiple connector bodies that can be attached to a single base, allowing the same base structure to interface with different wiper arm types (J-hook, U-channel, bayonet, etc.). This multi-functionality enables one wiper blade assembly to be compatible with various wiper arm types without requiring multiple different base designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is divided into separable components: a base that attaches to the wiper blade and multiple connector bodies that can be attached to the base. This segmentation allows customers to purchase a universal base and then attach the appropriate connector body for their specific wiper arm type, simplifying the overall system while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If multiple connector bodies are provided for different wiper arm types, then the customer can attach the correct connector without knowing the wiper arm type, but the connector assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector bodies are designed to be easily attached and removed from the base by the customer without requiring special tools or technical knowledge. The simple attachment mechanism allows customers to independently select and attach the correct connector body for their vehicle, making the system user-friendly despite offering multiple options.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the connector assembly has a traditional design with intermediate structures, then the connection is stable, but the profile is high and obstructs driver visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body attaches directly to the carrier elements, eliminating the need for intermediate structural components that would increase the profile height. By extracting the intermediate structures and creating a direct attachment path, the design achieves a low-profile configuration that improves driver visibility while maintaining connection stability through the direct carrier element interface.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the connector body engages carrier elements directly rather than through intermediate structures, then the profile is low and visibility is improved, but the connection mechanism must be simpler
Solution Approach 1:
The holding elements are pre-configured within the connector body to engage with the carrier elements in a predetermined manner. This preliminary configuration of the engagement mechanism allows for direct attachment to carrier elements without complex intermediate structures, achieving both low profile and reliable connection through pre-planned geometric compatibility.
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
Enables quick and easy attachment of wiper blade assemblies to various wiper arms, reducing the risk of incorrect installations and improving driver visibility by minimizing the profile of the connector assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of holding elements which deflect outwardly when a portion of the connector body is pinched together to facilitate the installation and removal to/from the at least one carrier element
Implementation Method 2
the connection device also includes a stopper which locks the holding elements in engagement with the at least one carrier element. Thus, the stopper prevents the connector body from accidental disconnection from the at least one carrier element
Data Source
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AI summary
A windscreen wiper device for cleaning a windshield of a vehicle is provided. The windscreen wiper device includes a longitudinally extending wiper strip and at least one carrier element in engagement with the wiper strip for operatively supporting and biasing the wiper strip into a predetermined configuration. A base is non-removably coupled to the at least one carrier element and has an opening that extends therethrough to provide access to the at least one carrier element through the base. A connection device is removably secured directly to the at least one carrier element through the opening of the base for attachment with a wiper arm.