Universal Wiper Blade End Cap With Adjustable Positioning Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blade end caps are specific to each wiper blade model due to varying dimensions of stiffening elements, requiring multiple end cap designs for different models.
Innovation Solution
A standard end cap design with adjustable positioning stops and locking mechanisms that accommodate stiffening elements of different dimensions, allowing the same end cap to fit various wiper blade models by guiding and securing elements of different sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specific end caps are designed for each wiper blade model, then secure fitting is ensured, but device complexity and variety of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap is designed with multiple positioning stops (first positioning stops and second positioning stops) that can accommodate different types of stiffening elements (first type and second type with different dimensions). This universal design allows a single end cap to fit multiple wiper blade models, eliminating the need for model-specific end caps while maintaining secure fitting through the appropriate positioning stops.
2Device complexity
If a standard end cap design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different stiffening element dimensions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized end cap incorporates both first positioning stops and second positioning stops, enabling it to adapt to different stiffening element dimensions. The first positioning stops work with first type stiffening elements while the second positioning stops work with second type stiffening elements, providing universal compatibility across different wiper blade models without requiring multiple end cap designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The end cap design includes retractable means that allow the positioning stops to dynamically adjust or retract when a first type of stiffening element passes through, enabling the same end cap to accommodate different dimensions of stiffening elements flexibly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If positioning stops are added to accommodate different dimensions, then adaptability increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end cap integrates multiple positioning stops (first and second) into a single standardized component, achieving universality. This allows the end cap to accommodate different stiffening element types while maintaining a unified design that doesn't require separate end caps for each model, effectively managing complexity through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclusion of retractable means provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing positioning stops to retract when needed. This dynamic feature enables the end cap to accommodate different stiffening element dimensions without requiring a completely separate design for each type, managing structural complexity through controlled adaptability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
An end piece (100) of a wiper blade (102) equipped with a stiffening element (110) includes a receiving channel (120) for the stiffening element, as well as first positioning stops (130) and a first locking means (150) for this element. The end piece includes at least one second positioning stop (140) to cooperate interchangeably with either a first or a second type of stiffening element of different dimensions. The first positioning stops (130) are operational when the first type of stiffening element (110) is inserted into the channel, and at least one second positioning stop (140) is operational when the second type of stiffening element is inserted into the receiving channel (120).