Wiper Blade End Piece Securing Device for Locking Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper blade end pieces suffer from unintentional unlocking and inadequate mechanical connection, leading to potential uncoupling and safety concerns during assembly and use.
Innovation Solution
An end piece with a housing and locking means that includes a securing device, such as a rib, to restrict movement of the locking means, preventing unintentional unlocking and enhancing the mechanical connection between the end piece and the flexible support, thereby ensuring secure assembly and preventing demounting without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking means is made accessible for operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the locking means may be actuated unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device is positioned locally to restrict movement of the locking means only in the critical direction that would lead to uncoupling, while leaving other movements (such as intentional locking/unlocking operations) unaffected. This localized constraint maintains operational ease while preventing harmful unintended actions.
2Device complexity
If the mechanical connection between the locking means and the support is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety level of the mechanical connection is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device is merged with the existing locking means structure, combining the locking function and the securing function into a single integrated assembly. This merging adds the safety feature without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the securing device works in conjunction with rather than separately from the locking means.
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 securing device prevents unintentional uncoupling of the end piece, enhances the safety of the assembly, and addresses issues related to manufacturing and assembly tolerances, resulting in improved quality control and secure operation of the wiper blade.
Implementation Method 1
The locking means is adapted to be deformed elastically during insertion of the end part of the flexible support into the housing of the end piece
Implementation Method 2
The locking means is adapted to resume its initial shape when it faces the notch in the end part of the flexible support
Data Source
AI summary
An end piece (1) for a vehicle windscreen wiper blade, the wiper blade comprising at least one flexible support (3) and a strip intended to be applied against the windscreen, the end piece (1) comprising: a housing (5) suitable for receiving an end portion of the flexible support (3), at least one locking means (7) for locking the end portion of the flexible support (3) in a position engaged in the housing (5), characterised in that the end piece (1) comprises at least one securing device (50) for securing the locking means (7), the securing device (50) being arranged to restrict the movement of the locking means (7). Said invention is applicable to motor vehicles.