Window Wiper Retaining Support for Edge Cleaning Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wipers struggle to effectively clean the perimeter of glass panes due to the wiping edge tendency to move from the pane onto the rim, requiring additional tools like rags for proper cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A wiper design featuring a flexible cleaning strip with retaining supports at its ends, made of materials with lower elasticity than the strip, to prevent bending and maintain contact with the pane, ensuring the wiping edge remains in contact along the entire length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wiping strip protrudes freely beyond the holder along its entire length, then the wiping edge can make full contact with the pane for efficient wiping, but the wiping edge tends to move from the pane onto the rim at the perimeter locations, causing improper cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is segmented into different functional zones: a first portion that allows free movement of the wiping strip for efficient wiping, and second portions at the ends that provide retaining supports to prevent the wiping edge from moving onto the rim. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing the wiping strip to be both freely movable and constrained at critical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder provides different degrees of constraint at different locations: minimal constraint in the central region for optimal wiping contact, and increased constraint at the end regions near the rim to prevent unwanted movement. This local differentiation of support quality allows the system to achieve both wiping efficiency and contact stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wiping strip is highly flexible to maintain contact with the pane, then the wiping edge can conform to the pane surface, but the wiping strip bends too easily at the ends and moves onto the rim, preventing proper cleaning at the perimeter
Solution Approach 1:
The holder divides the wiping strip into a free central section that maintains flexibility for pane contact and constrained end sections that are supported by retaining supports. This segmentation allows the wiping strip to exhibit both flexibility where needed and stability where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining supports at the ends of the holder act as counterbalancing elements that oppose the natural bending tendency of the flexible wiping strip. These supports provide a stabilizing force that prevents the wiping edge from moving onto the rim while maintaining overall flexibility for effective wiping.
3Reliability
If additional wiping elements like rags are used to clean the rim area, then proper cleaning at the perimeter is achieved, but the device complexity and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed to perform multiple functions: it secures the wiping strip for efficient wiping across the pane and simultaneously provides retaining supports at its ends to ensure proper cleaning at the rim. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate additional wiping elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining cleaning completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining supports are integrated into the holder structure, merging the functions of support and perimeter control into a single component. This integration allows the wiper to clean both the pane surface and the rim effectively using one unified device, avoiding the need for separate wiping tools.
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 wiper effectively cleans the perimeter of glass panes without additional tools, ensuring a thorough and efficient cleaning process by restricting the wiping strip's movement at its ends, preventing it from shifting onto the rim.
Implementation Method 1
the holder, at the location of the two ends of the wiping strip, comprises a respective retaining support with a support surface which extends opposite the surface of the wiping strip and extends substantially up to the wiping edge in order to retain the wiping strip locally during use of the wiper
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper (1) comprising an elongate cleaning strip (2) which is substantially made of flexible material and a holder (3) for fixating the cleaning strip (2). Viewed along the longitudinal direction (9) of the cleaning strip (2), the cleaning strip (2) comprises a wiping edge (4) for wiping panes, and a wiping strip (5) comprising said wiping edge (4) which extends beyond the holder (3) along substantially its entire length. The holder (3) furthermore comprises retaining supports (6) which, at the location of the ends (7) of the wiping strip (5), extend along the wiping strip (5) almost as far as the wiping edge (4).