Flat Windscreen Wiper Fairing and End Cap Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat windshield wiper blades face challenges in maintaining optimal aerodynamics and attachment to the windshield, particularly due to issues with end cap movement and adapter alignment, which affect the blade's performance and ease of assembly.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a streamlined flat wiper blade with a fairing and end fittings featuring projecting abutments for precise alignment and snap-fastening, along with a central mount and adapter system that allows for elastic latching and increased angular movement, ensuring secure attachment and improved aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fairing is added to the flat wiper blade to streamline it, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fairing structure with the end fitting components (central mount and end caps) into an integrated assembly. The fairing is not a separate add-on but is merged with the mounting structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining aerodynamic benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The end caps serve multiple functions: they provide aerodynamic fairing at the ends of the blade, structural support for the vertebrae, attachment points for the adapter system, and guidance for blade installation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If projecting abutments are added to the end fitting for precise alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projecting abutments on the central mount and corresponding recesses in the end caps create a self-aligning mechanism. During assembly, the abutments automatically guide the components into correct alignment without requiring external alignment tools or complex adjustment procedures, achieving high precision through the design itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutment-recess interface acts as an intermediary alignment mechanism between the central mount and end caps. This simple geometric feature mediates the alignment process, ensuring precise positioning without adding complex alignment systems.
3Reliability
If elastic latching is implemented in the adapter system, then reliability of attachment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic latching function is extracted as a separate feature within the adapter assembly, allowing the main blade structure to remain simple. The adapter contains the complexity of the elastic retention mechanism independently, providing reliable attachment without complicating the overall blade design.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic elements provide self-latching functionality that automatically secures the adapter to the central mount without requiring additional fastening operations. The system self-regulates the attachment force through the elastic deformation, ensuring reliable connection while maintaining simplicity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the end cap is allowed to move relative to the flat broom, then adaptability is improved, but stability of the object's composition worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The end caps are designed with controlled mobility relative to the central mount through the abutment-recess interface. This dynamic design allows the end caps to adjust position within certain limits to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations, while the elastic latching and abutment constraints maintain overall structural stability during operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flat, faired wiper blade (1), in particular for a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises: a longitudinal wiping blade (8), at least one longitudinal stiffening vertebra (6), a longitudinal retaining element (7) for said wiping blade and said stiffening vertebra, a longitudinal fairing (2, 3) comprising two end caps (3) and a central mount (2) extending between the end caps and being connected to them, the mount comprising means for attachment to said stiffening vertebra or to said retaining element for said vertebra, and each cap comprising means for guiding in translation of end parts of said element.