Wiper Coupler Assembly Retention Clip Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wiper assembly technologies face challenges in retaining the support member to the coupler effectively, allowing free movement of the wiping element, and enabling easy replacement of the wiping element, while preventing longitudinal movement and wind lift.
Innovation Solution
A coupler assembly with a retention clip that engages the support member to prevent longitudinal movement and allows separation of splines for free movement and replacement, integrated with a coupler that attaches to the wiper arm and includes an airfoil to prevent wind lift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bonding or sandwiching methods are used to attach the support member to the coupler, then the components are retained together, but longitudinal movement between the support member and coupler cannot be effectively prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is segmented into multiple splines that are separated from each other. These splines can move independently within the coupler, allowing the wiping element to move freely while the splines themselves are retained by the coupler through engagement features, thus preventing longitudinal movement of the support member relative to the coupler.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler acts as an intermediary component between the support member and the wiping element. It provides engagement features that retain the splines of the support member while allowing controlled movement, and simultaneously provides channels that guide and constrain the wiping element, thus mediating between the need for retention and the need for movement freedom.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support member is retained firmly to the coupler, then longitudinal movement is prevented, but the wiping element cannot move freely
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into multiple separate splines that can move independently within the coupler. This segmentation allows the wiping element to move freely along the channels of the coupler while the splines remain retained by engagement features, preventing longitudinal movement of the support member as a whole.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The splines of the support member are allowed to move independently within the coupler, and the wiping element can move freely along the channels. This dynamic design enables both firm retention of the support member to the coupler and free movement of the wiping element during operation.
3Strength
If the splines of the support member are kept together, then the support member maintains structural integrity, but the wiping element cannot move freely and replacement is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is segmented into multiple splines that are separated from each other. Each spline maintains its own structural integrity, and collectively they provide support for the wiping element. The separation of splines allows the wiping element to move freely and be easily replaced, while each spline remains strong enough to provide necessary support.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple separate splines are combined to form the support member structure. Each spline individually provides structural strength, and when combined, they collectively support the wiping element. This merging of multiple simple elements creates a support system that maintains integrity while allowing freedom of movement for the wiping element.
4Device complexity
If a simple attachment method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but retention and prevention of longitudinal movement are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler serves as an intermediary component that provides engagement features to retain the splines of the support member. This intermediary structure enables reliable retention and prevention of longitudinal movement without requiring complex attachment mechanisms, as the coupler mediates between the simple splines and the wiping element.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously: (1) provides channels for the wiping element to move freely, (2) provides engagement features to retain the splines of the support member, and (3) prevents longitudinal movement of the support member. This universal design achieves reliable retention without increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler assembly for a wiper assembly includes a coupler adapted to be attached to at least one support member of the wiper assembly and a retention clip cooperating with the coupler and adapted to engage the at least one support member to retain the at least one support member and the coupler together and prevent longitudinal movement therebetween.