Vehicle Wiper Electrical Connector Snap-Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield wiper systems experience micro-movements and wear due to vehicle vibrations, leading to potential loss of power and ineffective retention of electrical connectors, which causes fretting corrosion and instability in the connection between electrical and mechanical components.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector is directly fixed to the mechanical connector using independent elastic snap-fastening means, eliminating reliance on the hydraulic connector for retention and reducing relative movements, ensuring a permanent electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrical connector is fixed to the mechanical connector via the hydraulic connector, then the electrical connector can be retained, but micro-movements occur due to vehicle vibrations causing fretting corrosion and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connector from the hydraulic connector assembly and provides it with independent fixing means (lugs with elastic snap-fastening) that connect directly to the mechanical connector. This separation eliminates the indirect connection path that caused micro-movements and fretting corrosion, while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
2Device complexity
If the electrical connector relies on the hydraulic connector for retention, then the structure is simplified, but the electrical connector is not effectively retained in the longitudinal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the retention function from the hydraulic connector and assigns it to dedicated fixing means on the electrical connector itself. The lugs with elastic snap-fastening mechanisms provide specialized longitudinal retention independent of the hydraulic connector's primary function, ensuring reliable retention without compromising structural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If parallel rails and slideways are used to fix the electrical connector to the hydraulic connector, then the connector can be assembled, but the electrical connector can move in the longitudinal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements elastic snap-fastening through lugs that provide excessive retention force in the longitudinal direction, preventing any movement beyond the intended assembly position. This partial over-constraint ensures stability while maintaining ease of assembly through the elastic nature of the snap-fastening 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
This solution stabilizes the electrical connection, reduces wear, and prevents micro-movements, ensuring reliable power transmission and extended component lifespan by securing the electrical connector directly to the mechanical connector through independent fixing means.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical connector comprises means for fixing by elastic snap-fastening to the hydraulic connector
Data Source
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AI summary
Electrical (70), hydraulic (66), and mechanical (62) connectors for a vehicle wiper blade. The electrical connector (70) comprises a body (92) carrying electrical contacts and detachable fastening means (104) configured to cooperate with the mechanical connector (62). The hydraulic connector (66) lacks such means and is attached to the mechanical connector (62) solely by inserting its nozzles into the mechanical connector. The mechanical connector (62) comprises two substantially parallel tabs (106) having notches (108) at their free ends for the elastic snap-in engagement of the fastening means (104) of the electrical connector (70).