Wiper End Cap Spline Separator Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wiper assemblies with end caps suffer from spline-induced pinching of the wiping element, leading to reduced performance and lateral movement of splines, which compromises the effectiveness of the wiper assembly's motion across the windshield.

Innovation Solution

The end cap features a separator in the form of channels that mate with tangs on the splines to separate and retain them laterally, preventing movement and ensuring parallel alignment, thus enhancing the wiping element's performance by allowing free movement and improved wipe quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the end cap is provided with openings to allow water drainage, then water drainage capability is improved, but the insertion force and retention force on the splines are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater accumulationVSAvoidretention force on splines

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The end cap is segmented into multiple functional zones: a solid closed end portion providing structural strength and spline retention, and an open end portion with openings for water drainage. This segmentation allows the end cap to simultaneously achieve both strong spline retention and effective water drainage without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the splines are allowed to move freely, then the assembly is easier to manufacture, but the wiping element performance deteriorates due to pinching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidwiping element performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A separator component is introduced as an intermediary element between the splines and the end cap. This separator maintains proper spacing and alignment of the splines, preventing them from pinching the wiping element while allowing the splines to be freely positioned during assembly. The separator thus mediates between manufacturing ease and wiping performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the end cap provides high insertion force to secure the splines, then the spline retention is improved, but the splines may be damaged or deformed during installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespline retentionVSAvoidspline damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The end cap design incorporates a gradual insertion path and cushioning features that distribute the insertion force over a larger area and time period. The solid closed end portion provides progressive engagement with the splines, preventing sudden impact forces that could damage or deform the splines while still achieving strong retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS10391980B2End cap for wiper assembly

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 PGI NORTHSTAR LLC

AI summary

An end cap for a wiper assembly includes a body adapted to be disposed over a portion of a plurality of splines of the wiper assembly. The body includes a separator adapted to cooperate with the splines of the wiper assembly to separate and retain the splines laterally from movement for a wiping element of the wiper assembly disposed between the splines.