Wiper Device Housing with Self-Locking Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper devices for motor vehicle windows lack a secure and simple coupling mechanism between the wiper arm and blade adapter units, leading to potential misalignment and reduced operational reliability.
Innovation Solution
A wiper device design featuring a housing on the wiper blade adapter unit that accommodates the wiper arm adapter unit with a locking mechanism, such as a latching or pivoted cover flap, to prevent disengagement and ensure a secure form fit, allowing for easy assembly and enhanced protection from external influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple form fit coupling is used between wiper arm adapter unit and wiper blade adapter unit, then assembly is simple, but the coupling security and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is designed to automatically engage when the wiper arm adapter unit is inserted into the housing. The latching means pivots about a pivot axis and forms a form fit with the housing, creating a self-locking mechanism that secures the coupling without requiring additional manual fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means is designed to be movable during the assembly process, allowing easy insertion, and then becomes fixed in the locked position to provide secure coupling. The latching means can pivot between an open position (allowing assembly) and a closed position (providing security), transforming the static coupling into a dynamic one.
2Reliability
If a locking means is added to prevent disengagement, then coupling security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is integrated into the housing structure of the wiper blade adapter unit. The latching means is formed as an integral part of the base body, and the locking means works in conjunction with existing form fit features. This merging approach adds locking functionality without requiring completely separate locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching means is designed as a flexible element that can pivot about a pivot axis. This flexible design allows the locking means to engage and disengage smoothly while maintaining structural integrity, reducing the need for complex rigid locking mechanisms with multiple parts.
3Ease of operation
If the locking means is designed as a latching mechanism, then assembly simplicity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is designed as a separate latching means that pivots about a pivot axis, distinct from the main housing structure. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to be independently manufactured and then integrated into the housing, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes.
4Reliability
If the housing is designed to accommodate the wiper arm adapter unit, then coupling security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework for the wiper blade adapter unit, contains the locking means, and accommodates the wiper arm adapter unit through its opening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining coupling security.
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 secure coupling and robust design of the wiper device ensure reliable operation, easy assembly, and protection from water and other external factors, improving the overall performance and longevity of the wiper system.
Implementation Method 1
a locking means (14), which is intended to prevent the wiper arm adapter unit (10) from being pushed out in the assembled state... the locking means is designed as a latching means... a locking means is to be understood in particular as meaning a means that undergoes elastic deformation during an assembly process
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a
AI summary
The invention is based on a wiper device for a motor vehicle window, with a wiper arm adaptor unit (10a - 10f) and a wiper blade adaptor unit (12a - 12f), which, in a fitted state, form a form-fitting connection. It is proposed that the wiper device has a housing means (18a - 18f) which is arranged fixedly on the wiper blade adaptor unit (12a - 12f) for receiving the wiper arm adaptor unit (10a - 10f) in a linear push-in movement.