Wiper Blade End Piece Hooking Mechanism for Scraper Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper systems for motor vehicles face issues with end fittings that are aggressive towards the scraper blade, leading to tearing and damage, and make it difficult to replace only the worn scraper blade without disassembling the wiper blade into multiple parts, which is not ergonomically suitable for reassembly.
Innovation Solution
An end piece with a hooking mechanism that uses a channel with varying widths and a deformable scraper blade made of elastomer or rubber, allowing for secure attachment without deforming the end fitting, enabling easy replacement of the scraper blade without disassembling the wiper blade.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If teeth are used as retaining means in the end fitting, then the scraper blade is held in position, but the scraper blade is damaged due to aggressive retention causing tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the channel cross-section along its length, creating a tapered profile that transitions from a narrower opening to a wider interior. This parameter change allows the scraper blade to be inserted easily while being retained securely, eliminating the need for aggressive teeth that cause damage.
2Reliability
If the wiper blade is assembled with multiple parts including bearing elements, then the scraper blade can be retained, but replacement of the scraper blade requires disassembly into multiple parts which is not ergonomically suitable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the retention function by separating the bearing elements from the retention mechanism. The channel in the end fitting provides retention independently of the bearing elements, allowing the scraper blade to be replaced by simply removing it from the channel without disassembling the bearing elements or other wiper blade components.
3Reliability
If a channel with varying width is used to attach the scraper blade, then secure mechanical connection is achieved, but the channel must be deformed to accommodate the scraper blade
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamics by making the scraper blade deformable rather than the end fitting. The channel is designed with a tapered cross-section that allows the scraper blade to elastically deform during insertion and then retain its position, while the rigid end fitting maintains its structural integrity and does not undergo permanent deformation.
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 solution provides a secure mechanical connection between the end piece and scraper blade, allowing for easy access and replacement of the scraper blade without damaging the wiper blade, while maintaining the wiper's functionality and ergonomic assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the scraper blade comprises an intermediate body disposed between the heel and the friction zone, this intermediate body has a thickness greater than the first width of the first part of the channel and less than the second width of the second part of the channel, measured before insertion into the channel
Implementation Method 2
The constituent material of the end fitting is used to generate a bond by adhesion with the scraper blade, in particular in a portion of the scraper blade located between the heel and the friction zone of the scraper blade. The hooking means therefore grips the wiper blade so as to guarantee a mechanical connection by friction between the end fitting and the scraper blade.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly (5, 8) consisting of an end piece (8) and a wiper rubber (5) of a wiper blade (1), the wiper rubber (5) comprising at least one heel (5a) and a friction area (5g) that can come into contact with a surface to be wiped, the end piece (8) comprising a first housing (21) designed to receive a first end (31) of a flexible support (6) of the wiper blade (1) and a second housing (22) into which the heel (5a) of the wiper rubber (5) extends, the two housings (21, 22) being superimposed in a plane passing through the heel (5a) and through the friction area (5g), the end piece (8) comprising a means (19) for attaching to the wiper rubber (5), which is integral with the end piece (8).