Windscreen Wiper End-Fitting Electrical Connection Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current windscreen wiper heating systems face complexity and cost issues due to the integration of electrical connection means within the connector, which complicates production and increases costs, especially when hydraulic connections are involved.
Innovation Solution
The end-fitting for windscreen wipers relocates electrical connections to the longitudinal end, eliminating the need for mid-wiper connectors and incorporating them within the end-fitting, which can be part of a single piece, with elastic snap-fitting and aerodynamic designs, allowing for a kit replacement of spines and end-fittings with heating elements connected via terminals at the end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical connection means are integrated within the connector in the middle of the wiper, then the wiper can be heated and washing liquid can be supplied, but the production becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wiper system into separate functional modules: the connector for mechanical linkage, the electrical connection means integrated into the end-fitting, and the hydraulic connection means. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies production by eliminating the need for a complex multi-functional connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection means are extracted from the connector and relocated to the end-fitting. This extraction removes the complexity from the connector while maintaining all necessary functions through separate, dedicated components that are easier to manufacture and assemble.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical connection means are integrated within the connector, then heating and hydraulic functions are combined, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the wiper system into separate functional modules (mechanical connector, electrical end-fitting, hydraulic connections), the patent enables each component to be manufactured using specialized, cost-effective processes rather than requiring expensive multi-functional connector production.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection means are merged with the end-fitting structure, creating a single integrated component that eliminates the need for separate electrical connectors and reduces overall part count, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining multi-functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If electrical connection means are relocated to the longitudinal end in the end-fitting, then production is simplified and costs are reduced, but space for electrical connection in the middle must be managed
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection means are extracted from the central connector region and relocated to the end-fitting at the longitudinal end of the wiper. This extraction simplifies the central connector structure and reduces production complexity while the end-fitting design accommodates the electrical connections in an otherwise underutilized space.
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
This solution simplifies the production and reduces costs by relocating electrical connections, enhancing the aerodynamic profile, and enabling easy kit replacement for temporary heating solutions, improving the efficiency and usability of windscreen wiper heating systems.
Implementation Method 1
the heating means of a windscreen wiper generally comprise a heating electrical conductor of resistive type
Data Source
AI summary
End-fitting (122′) for a windscreen wiper of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a body defining a housing (122b) for receiving at least one element of said blade, characterized in that it further comprises electrical connection means (140).