Wiper Blade End Fitting Anti-Tamper Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wiper blade end fittings are not robust enough to withstand severe conditions and are vulnerable to tampering, leading to increased manufacturing and storage costs, as well as potential damage from unauthorized disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A robust end fitting design featuring a housing with an outer shell and inner sheath, secured by interlocking lugs and grooves, and guide ramps, which provides a secure locking mechanism that can only be broken by destruction, ensuring compatibility with various flexible supports without compromising efficiency or appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robust locking mechanism is implemented to prevent tampering, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end fitting is divided into two separate components: an outer shell and an inner sheath. This segmentation allows each part to have optimized functions while simplifying the overall manufacturing process. The inner sheath contains the locking mechanism with lugs and grooves, while the outer shell provides structural support and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner sheath is nested within the outer shell, with the inner sheath's locking features (lugs and grooves) providing the security function. This nested configuration allows the locking mechanism to be integrated within the overall structure without adding external complexity, as the inner sheath itself serves as both a structural and locking component.
2Ease of manufacture
If a standardized end fitting is used across various flexible supports, then manufacturing and storage costs are reduced, but adaptability to different configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The end fitting design with standardized outer shell and inner sheath components can accommodate multiple flexible support configurations. The generic structure provides universal mounting capabilities while the adjustable locking mechanism adapts to different air deflector shapes, sizes, and symmetries, allowing one design to serve multiple product variants.
3Reliability
If the end fitting is made tamper-proof requiring destruction for disassembly, then security is improved, but ease of repair worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed with preliminary engagement features where the lugs and grooves interlock during normal assembly. This preliminary action creates a secure, tamper-resistant connection that requires destruction for disassembly, while the design allows for controlled disassembly during authorized repair by applying specific forces to the guide ramps.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an end fitting (1) for a windshield wiper (2) of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one flexible support (3) and a friction blade (4) for application against the windshield. The end fitting (1) includes a housing (8) adapted to receive the end portion of the flexible support (3). The end fitting (1) comprises two distinct elements (5, 6), including an outer shell (5) and an inner sleeve (6) which is provided with the housing (8). Application to motor vehicles.