Windshield Wiper Fluid Coupling Lock for Freeze-Resistant Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield wiper systems with integrated spraying devices face issues with fluid line connections detaching due to freezing temperatures, leading to unintended fluid loss and handling difficulties, especially when the wiper blade wears and requires separation from the wiper arm.
Innovation Solution
A retaining device with a latch mechanism allows for non-destructive detachment of the fluidic connector coupling in a first state and prevents detachment in a second state, ensuring the connection remains secure even when the cleaning fluid freezes, and is designed for easy user handling and integration with the wiper arm without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connector coupling is designed as a plug-in connection for easy detachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when cleaning fluid freezes and pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device transitions between two states: a first state enabling non-destructive detachment and a second state preventing detachment. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements, providing easy removal when needed while ensuring secure connection during normal operation and freezing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining device changes its mechanical state between enabling and preventing detachment. By switching between these two states, the system adjusts its retention characteristics to match operational conditions, allowing easy user handling when detachment is desired while maintaining secure connection when the cleaning fluid freezes
2Ease of operation
If the plug-in connection is designed to be easily overcome by ordinary users, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as unintentional detachment cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device provides a second state where detachment is prevented, creating a secure locked condition that cannot be accidentally triggered. This dynamic state switching allows the system to be both user-friendly and secure, depending on the operational phase
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining device proactively prevents unintentional detachment by being in a default second state that secures the connection. The system takes preliminary action to secure the connection before any detachment attempt, and only allows easy detachment when the user intentionally switches to the first state
3Reliability
If the retaining device prevents detachment in freezing conditions, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates if detachment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device can be switched between a first state for easy detachment and a second state for secure connection. This dynamic capability ensures that while the connection is secure during freezing conditions, users can still easily detach the connection by switching to the first state when needed
Solution Approach 2:
Before detachment is needed, the user can switch the retaining device to the first state in advance, preparing the system for easy removal. This preliminary action ensures that when detachment is required, it can be performed easily without struggling against a locked mechanism
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 prevents unintended detachment of the fluidic connector coupling, allows for easy wiper blade removal and replacement, and reduces fluid loss by maintaining the connection during normal operation and freezing conditions, enhancing user convenience and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
At temperatures around freezing point and below, the cleaning fluid in the spraying device and at the outlets of the spraying device can sometimes freeze.
Data Source
AI summary
A windshield wiper system for a vehicle, includes a wiper blade having a spraying device, a fluid line, a wiper arm on which the fluid line is arranged or retained, and a retaining device, The spraying device includes a spraying device connector, the fluid line includes a line coupler, and the fluid line and the spraying device can be connected to each other in a non-destructive and detachable fluidic connection via the line coupler and the spraying device connector. The retaining device is arranged on the wiper blade, the retaining device in a first state is configured to enable non-destructive detachment of a fluidic connection coupling (44) between the line coupler and the spraying device connector, and the retaining device in a second state is configured to prevent non-destructive detachment of the fluidic connector coupling.