Adaptable Wiper End Cap With Elastic Positioning Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blade end fittings require specific designs to match varying dimensions of stiffening elements, leading to the need for multiple end cap types, which increases manufacturing costs and risks improper installation, potentially affecting user safety.
Innovation Solution
A standard end piece with a housing that can accommodate both narrower and wider stiffening elements, featuring elastically deformable ribs that adjust to secure the stiffening element in place, ensuring correct positioning and locking without the need for multiple end cap designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If specific end cap designs are created for each wiper blade model to match varying stiffening element dimensions, then the locking effectiveness and precise positioning are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap is designed with a universal reception channel that can accommodate multiple types of stiffening elements with different dimensions. The elastic positioning element adapts to various stiffening element widths, allowing a single end cap design to serve multiple wiper blade models rather than requiring model-specific end caps.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element is made elastic to allow it to deform and adapt to different stiffening element dimensions. This elasticity enables the same end cap to securely hold stiffening elements of varying widths by changing the positioning element's physical state during insertion and locking.
2Reliability
If multiple end cap types are produced for different wiper blade models, then the locking effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing costs and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single end cap design with a universal reception channel and elastic positioning element can reliably lock multiple types of stiffening elements, eliminating the need to manufacture and inventory multiple end cap variants while maintaining locking effectiveness across different wiper blade models.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic positioning element automatically adjusts and adapts to the specific dimensions of the inserted stiffening element, performing the customization function that would otherwise require different end cap designs. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for pre-configured model-specific end caps.
3Manufacturing precision
If users must select from multiple specific end cap types, then the locking precision is improved, but the ease of operation and risk of improper installation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap's elastic positioning element automatically identifies and adapts to the correct stiffening element width during installation, eliminating the need for users to manually select the appropriate end cap type. The system performs the matching function automatically, reducing user burden and preventing improper installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elasticity of the positioning element allows it to dynamically change its dimensions to match the inserted stiffening element, providing a secure lock regardless of the stiffening element type. This automatic parameter adaptation simplifies the installation process for users while maintaining locking precision.
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 end piece effectively adapts to different stiffening element widths, reducing manufacturing costs and ensuring secure, correct installation, thereby enhancing user safety and reducing the risk of improper connections.
Implementation Method 1
at least one device for holding in position with elastic deformation arranged to cooperate indifferently with the first type of stiffening element or the second type of stiffening element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 2a~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
An end piece (1) for a vehicle window wiper blade, comprising a housing extending mainly in a first direction and capable of receiving either a first type of stiffening element (3) of a first width or a second type of stiffening element (3) of a second width greater than the first width, characterized in that it comprises at least one elastically deformable positioning device (50) arranged to cooperate indifferently with the first type of stiffening element (3) or the second type of stiffening element (3), the positioning device (50) being arranged to take at least one undeformed rest position and one elastically deformed position in which the positioning device (50) bears against the second type of stiffening element (3) to lock it in a final mounting position.