Wiper End Fitting Flexible Locking Play Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing end fittings for vehicle window wipers require precise dimension control and are complicated to design, leading to potential play between parts that affect the quality and appearance of the wiper system.
Innovation Solution
An end fitting with a flexible locking mechanism, utilizing an elastic material and a tongue-like structure that forms a stop, allowing for compensation of longitudinal play and easier assembly with less stringent tolerances, thus preventing play and enhancing the wiper's quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid locking mechanism is used to secure the end fitting to the longitudinal support, then the locking strength is improved, but longitudinal play between parts cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means changes its physical state from rigid to flexible by utilizing elastic deformation. The flexible locking means can deform elastically to compensate for dimensional variations and prevent longitudinal play while maintaining secure locking. This parameter change allows the same component to provide both strong locking and play compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape. The flexibility allows the locking means to dynamically adjust to dimensional variations in the longitudinal support, ensuring reliable locking without play while accommodating manufacturing tolerances.
2Reliability
If narrow tolerances are specified for the locking means and cavity positioning to eliminate play, then the play between parts is reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the physical parameter of the locking means from rigid to flexible, the system can accommodate wider dimensional tolerances. The elastic deformation capability of the flexible locking means absorbs dimensional variations, allowing less precise manufacturing of the cavity and support while still eliminating play and ensuring reliable locking.
3Ease of manufacture
If the locking means is made flexible to compensate for play, then the manufacturing tolerances can be relaxed, but the locking strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means utilizes elastic deformation within its elastic limit to provide flexibility for play compensation. By carefully selecting materials and designing the geometry of the flexible locking means, it can deform enough to accommodate tolerance variations while maintaining sufficient elastic restoring force to provide strong, reliable locking. The key is operating within the elastic range where both flexibility and strength are maintained.
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 flexible locking mechanism ensures proper alignment and secure attachment of the end fitting to the wiper support, eliminating perceived defects and reducing production costs by allowing for less precise manufacturing tolerances, resulting in a higher-quality wiper system.
Implementation Method 1
the means is flexible so as to cause the locking means to bear against the longitudinal support. According to one aspect of the invention, the flexibility of the means that forms a stop results from elasticity of the material of which the means is made. It is thus the elastic deformation of the means which ensures that the locking means bears against the longitudinal support.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an end fitting 1 for a vehicle window wiper, comprising at least one longitudinal support and a blade intended to be pressed against the window, the end fitting 1 comprising a housing 5 that is able to receive an end part of the longitudinal support, the end fitting comprising at least one means 7 for locking the end part of the longitudinal support in the position fitted in the housing 5, said end fitting 1 comprising at least one means 43 that forms a stop against the end part of the longitudinal support, characterized in that the means 43 is flexible so as to cause the locking means 7 to bear against the longitudinal support.