Wiper End-Piece Locking Mechanism for Secure Support Attachment
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper systems with semi-rigid assemblies face issues of unintentional detachment due to inadequate locking mechanisms, lack of secure mechanical connection, and vulnerability to mechanical stresses, leading to potential dislocation and damage.
Innovation Solution
A robust end-piece design featuring a housing with a pivotally mounted tongue and cavity for gluing means, providing a secure and non-demountable locking mechanism between the end-piece and flexible support, enhanced by a notch on the flexible support to accommodate the tongue's heel and ensure a permanent assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If locking means are made easily accessible for operation, then ease of operation is improved, but unintentional actuation by careless passer-by or user increases
Solution Approach 1:
A cover element is introduced as an intermediary component between the user and the locking means. This cover element can be intentionally removed or opened to access the locking means, while preventing accidental activation by careless persons. The cover acts as a mediator that provides controlled access, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and protection against unintentional actuation.
2Reliability
If the locking mechanism is made more secure and robust, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are integrated directly into the end-piece structure, merging the locking function with the existing component rather than adding separate complex locking mechanisms. The tongue and cavity features are incorporated as integral parts of the end-piece and flexible support, respectively, providing secure locking without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If the connection between end-piece and flexible support is made permanent and non-demountable, then reliability is improved, but ease of repair worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper system is segmented into modular components (end-piece, flexible support, wiper blade) that can be independently replaced. While the connection between end-piece and flexible support is permanent, the entire end-piece assembly can be replaced as a unit if needed, maintaining ease of repair at the component level while ensuring reliable permanent connections within each component assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an end-piece (1) for a motor vehicle glass wiper including at least one flexible support (3) and a wiper blade intended to be pressed against the glass. The end-piece (1) includes a housing (5) adapted to receive an end portion (6) of the flexible support (3). The end-piece (1) includes means (7) for locking the end portion (6) of the flexible support (3) in an engaged position inside the housing (5). The locking means (7) include at least one tongue (107e). The locking means (7) include at least one cavity (107a) that is delimited at least by a first lateral wall (107b), a second lateral wall (107c) and the tongue (107e).