Wiper Blade End Piece Segmentation for Dry Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing windscreen wiper systems face issues with leaks and contamination during scraper blade replacement, as the liquid supply device is open, leading to impurities clogging nozzles and making the replacement process difficult and hazardous due to residual pressure and liquid splashing.

Innovation Solution

An end fitting with a primary and secondary part connected by a removable fixing means, featuring a hooking device with flexible branches that pinch the wiper blade, and a closure mechanism to block the liquid channeling device, allowing for easy and dry blade replacement without opening the liquid supply system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the liquid supply device is opened to replace the scraper blade, then the blade can be accessed and replaced, but liquid leaks and impurities enter the device causing nozzle clogging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescraper blade replacementVSAvoidliquid leakage and contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The end fitting is divided into a primary part and a secondary part that can be separated from each other. The secondary part can be removed to access the scraper blade, while the primary part remains attached to the support and maintains the liquid supply device closure, preventing leakage and contamination during blade replacement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary part is extracted or removed from the primary part to provide access to the scraper blade for replacement. This extraction allows maintenance personnel to replace the blade without removing the entire end fitting or opening the liquid supply device, thus avoiding liquid leakage and impurity entry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of repair

If the liquid supply device is opened during blade replacement, then the blade can be accessed, but residual pressure causes liquid to splash onto the user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescraper blade replacementVSAvoiduser safety during replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The end fitting is segmented into removable secondary part and fixed primary part. This segmentation allows the secondary part to be taken off for blade access while the primary part with the liquid supply device remains closed and pressurized, preventing liquid splash to the user

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The primary part acts as an intermediary structure that remains between the user and the pressurized liquid supply device during blade replacement. By keeping the primary part attached, it serves as a protective barrier that prevents direct contact with pressurized liquid while still allowing access to the blade through secondary part removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the entire brush is replaced instead of just the scraper blade, then the wiping quality is renewed, but the cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiping qualityVSAvoidreplacement process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The end fitting is segmented into removable secondary part and fixed primary part, enabling selective replacement of only the scraper blade rather than the entire brush assembly. This reduces complexity and cost while maintaining wiping quality through blade renewal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Only the scraper blade (the consumable component) is discarded and replaced, while the more durable components (support, end fitting primary part, liquid supply device) are recovered and reused. This selective replacement approach reduces waste and simplifies the replacement process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 prevents leaks and contamination, simplifies the blade replacement process, and ensures the windscreen washer fluid supply remains closed, maintaining the effectiveness of the windshield washing system while ensuring user safety.

Implementation Method 1

said hooking device comprising two flexible branches and configured to approach each other and exercise the pinching of the blade when the actuating element bears on the attachment device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2691272B1End piece having a device for securing a wiper blade
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
  • EP2691272B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2691272B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2691272B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention relates to an end piece (11) of a windshield wiper comprising at least one wiper blade (1). Said end piece (11) has a first part (12) and a second part (13) which are connected to each other by a removable attachment means, and a blocking means (28) for preventing the wiper blade (1) from moving relative to the end piece (11), said blocking means (28) comprising a securing device (33) and an actuating element (51). The securing device (33) is designed to pinch the wiper blade (1) and is subject to a force exerted by the actuating element (51). The end piece is for use in motor vehicles.