Windshield Wiper End Piece Segmentation for Dry Blade Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing windscreen wiper systems face issues during scraper blade replacement, as the liquid supply device is open, leading to leaks and clogging, and the process is complicated by the presence of liquid, which can splash and make reassembly difficult, and requires opening the fluid pipes.

Innovation Solution

An end piece comprising two distinct parts connected by a removable fixing means, allowing for simple and ergonomic disassembly and reassembly without opening the windscreen washer fluid pipes, featuring a primary part with a housing and a secondary part with a locking mechanism that blocks translational movements, ensuring secure attachment and preventing liquid leakage.

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 supply device integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The end piece is divided into a first part (containing the housing and recess) and a second part (containing the locking means), connected by a removable fixing means. This segmentation allows the second part to be removed for blade replacement while the first part remains attached to the support, keeping the liquid supply device closed and preventing leaks and contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of repair

If the liquid supply device is opened during blade replacement, then the blade can be replaced, but liquid splashes onto the user and complicates the replacement process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescraper blade replacementVSAvoidblade replacement ergonomics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The end piece is segmented into two parts where the second part can be independently removed. This allows users to access and replace the scraper blade while the first part remains attached to the support, keeping the liquid supply device closed and preventing liquid splashing, thereby maintaining ergonomic and clean replacement operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the end piece is made as a single piece, then the structure is simple, but the blade replacement requires opening the fluid pipes which is complex and problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveend piece structureVSAvoidscraper blade replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The end piece is divided into a first part (housing with recess) and a second part (locking means), connected by a removable fixing means. This segmentation enables the second part to be easily removed for blade replacement while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, avoiding the complexity of opening fluid pipes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The end piece transitions from a static single-piece structure to a dynamic two-part structure with removable connection. This allows the end piece to adapt between a closed state (during normal operation) and an open state (during blade replacement), facilitating easy maintenance while preserving structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2691273B1End piece for a windshield wiper
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
  • EP2691273B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2691273B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP2691273B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The invention relates to an end piece (11) of a windshield wiper comprising at least one spring strip (5) and a wiper blade (1). The end piece (11) has a first part (12) and a second part (13). The first part (12) includes a recess for accommodating the spring strip (5), a cavity for accommodating the wiper blade (1), and a hole (28) that is in communication with the recess and the cavity. The second part (13) includes a locking means for blocking the end piece (11) relative to the wiper, said locking means extending inside the hole (28). The first part (12) and the second part (13) are connected to each other by a removable attachment means (14). The end piece is for use in motor vehicles.