Wiper Blade End Cap Fluid Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiper blade systems for vehicle windshields are inefficient in delivering windscreen washer fluid along the entire length, particularly at the end caps, leading to compromised washing effectiveness and sensor accuracy due to uneven fluid distribution and fluid being driven towards the bottom of the windshield at high speeds.

Innovation Solution

A wiper blade end cap with a sealing element and end channel that brings the delivery channel into fluid communication, featuring spray openings to extend the fluid delivery area, ensuring fluid is distributed along the entire blade length, including the end caps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If windscreen washer fluid is delivered through nozzles attached to the stationary part of the vehicle, then the fluid delivery system is simple, but the fluid cannot be delivered uniformly along the entire windscreen length and is driven towards the bottom at high speeds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid delivery system complexityVSAvoidfluid distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fluid delivery system is segmented into multiple delivery channels distributed along the length of the wiper blade, with each channel having its own spray opening. This segmentation allows fluid to be delivered at multiple locations simultaneously, achieving uniform distribution along the entire windscreen length while maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid delivery system transitions from a single-point nozzle attachment to a distributed linear arrangement along the wiper blade length. By extending fluid delivery from a stationary point to a moving linear distribution system, the patent achieves uniform fluid distribution across the entire windscreen surface while compensating for high-speed vehicle motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the wiper blade end cap is a simple sealing component, then the manufacturing is easy, but the fluid delivery area cannot be extended to the end caps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend cap manufacturing easeVSAvoidfluid delivery area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The end cap merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides sealing to prevent fluid leakage, structural support to close the blade assembly, and fluid delivery through integrated channels and spray openings. This consolidation extends the fluid delivery area to the blade ends while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a unified component design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The end cap is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs sealing, structural support, and fluid delivery functions. By integrating fluid delivery channels and spray openings into the end cap structure, the patent extends the effective fluid delivery area to the entire blade length including ends, while keeping the component manufacturable through standard processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If windscreen washer fluid is not delivered at the end caps, then the blade structure is simpler, but the washing effectiveness and sensor accuracy are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade structure complexityVSAvoidwashing effectiveness and sensor accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The end cap incorporates local fluid delivery features (channels and spray openings) specifically at the blade end regions where fluid delivery was previously absent. This localized enhancement ensures that end-cap areas, which are critical for washing effectiveness and sensor accuracy, receive adequate fluid delivery without requiring complex modifications to the entire blade structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 ensures uniform windscreen washer fluid distribution along the wiper blade, enhancing washing effectiveness and maintaining sensor accuracy by delivering fluid to the entire length of the blade, including the end caps, even at high speeds.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sealing element for sealing a channel for delivering windscreen washer fluid of a member of the blade, said at least one sealing element comprising a channel, referred to as the end channel, intended to be brought into fluid communication with said delivery channel when said delivery channel is sealed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through sealed channel:

Data Source

PatentUS10875504B2Wiper blade end cap

Publication Date: 2020.12.29 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS

AI summary

A wiper blade end cap (22 and 22′), comprising at least one sealing element (22a) for sealing a channel for delivering windscreen washer fluid of a member of the blade (10), characterised in that said at least one sealing element (22a) comprises a channel (22a1), referred to as the end channel, intended to be brought into communication with said delivery channel when said delivery channel is sealed, and at least one spray opening (22a2 and 22a2′) originating at said end channel (22a1) and emerging on the outside of said cap (22 and 22′).