Wiper End Cap Locking Mechanism Prevents Accidental Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wiper end caps suffer from accidental detachment due to insecure locking mechanisms and insufficient mechanical robustness between the securing means and the flexible supporting element, leading to safety and assembly quality issues.
Innovation Solution
The end cap design incorporates a locking mechanism with an elastic arm and a securing device that forms a longitudinal stop, preventing accidental movement by cooperating with a cavity in the supporting element, ensuring secure attachment and improved assembly safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking means are made accessible through an orifice, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate protective structure (the element emerging from the junction of faces) that mediates between the accessible locking means and the flexible supporting element. This intermediary component prevents direct accidental actuation while preserving intentional access, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-positioning the protective element to counteract potential accidental movements before they can detach the cap. The element's configuration anticipates and prevents harmful accidental actuation while allowing deliberate operation through the orifice.
2Device complexity
If the mechanical link between locking means and supporting element is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to insufficient robustness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enhancing the robustness specifically at the critical junction where the locking means interfaces with the flexible supporting element. The element emerging from the face junction provides localized reinforcement without complicating the overall locking mechanism structure, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability at the critical point.
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 significantly enhances the security of the wiper assembly by preventing accidental detachment and improving manufacturing and assembly quality control, ensuring the wiper components remain securely attached without risk of removal without damage.
Implementation Method 1
The arm is deemed to be elastic in as much as it can move within a limit guaranteeing that the arm returns to the initial position of same
Data Source
AI summary
An end cap for a wiper of a window of a vehicle having at least one flexible supporting element and a blade design to be applied against the window is disclosed. The end cap includes a housing for receiving an end portion of the flexible supporting element. The end cap also has at least one means for locking the end portion of the flexible supporting element in an engaged position in the housing, and an outer wall delimiting the cap as well as an access orifice to the locking means, the locking means including a portion forming a longitudinal stop facing the flexible supporting element, a first face extending between the housing and the outer wall and a second face opposite the orifice. The locking means include an element that emerges at the junction between the first face and the portion and that extends at least longitudinally beyond the portion.