Wiper Coupler Adapter Retention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wiper assemblies, particularly beam-blade style, are limited in compatibility with various wiper arm styles and lack effective retention mechanisms, leading to potential disassembly during operation.
Innovation Solution
A wiper coupler adaptor with sidewalls, recessed sections, and a deck design that includes a snap bridge and retention tab to securely engage with the wiper arm, providing a positive stop and interference fit to prevent rotational and lateral disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed connecting formation is used to attach the wiper assembly to the wiper arm, then the structure is simple, but the retention force is insufficient and the wiper assembly may disassemble during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler adaptor incorporates a movable deck that can shift position along the wiper arm rails. This dynamic element allows the adaptor to engage and disengage from the wiper arm through lateral movement, providing secure retention during operation while enabling easy installation and removal. The deck's ability to move laterally creates a locking mechanism that prevents disassembly during wiper operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler adaptor features a nested structure where the deck is positioned within the sidewalls, and the entire adaptor nests onto the wiper arm attachment member. The sidewalls contain the deck and provide lateral engagement surfaces, creating a compact nested arrangement that secures the wiper assembly to the wiper arm while maintaining simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a simple coupling mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different wiper arm styles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler adaptor is designed with universal compatibility features including rails that engage with various wiper arm attachment members and a deck that can accommodate different wiper assembly types. The sidewalls and deck configuration allow the same adaptor to work with multiple wiper arm styles, making it a multi-functional coupling solution.
3Ease of operation
If the coupler allows lateral movement for installation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability during operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The deck is designed to be movable during installation, allowing lateral shifting to engage with the wiper arm rails. Once installed, the deck's position is locked by the engagement geometry between the sidewalls and the wiper arm attachment member, providing stability during operation. The dynamic-to-static transition ensures both easy installation and secure retention.
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper coupler adaptor for releasably attaching a wiper assembly to a wiper arm includes a pair of sidewalls each including a post that extends laterally toward the other and adapted to operatively engage a wiper assembly. The sidewalls include recessed sections adapted to operatively engage rails of an attachment member of a wiper arm, each of the recessed sections have a flange that extends outward beyond to provide releasable engagement with the attachment member. The wiper coupler adaptor also includes a deck disposed between the sidewalls to define a rest that is adapted to operatively receive a track between the rails of the attachment member, an elevated platform disposed between the sidewalls and the deck to define an aperture adapted to receive a portion of a bent tab of the attachment member, and a snap bridge disposed within the aperture including a lip depending therefrom that is adapted to receive a portion of the bent tab of the attachment member to prevent undesired release of said wiper coupler adaptor from the attachment member.