Windshield Wiper Fastening Mechanism for Tool-Free Blade Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Windshield wiper devices face issues such as wear and damage due to regular use and exposure, leading to complex and costly replacement, especially when passing through car washes, as conventional screw connections complicate the mounting and dismantling process.
Innovation Solution
A windshield wiper device with a fastening element and a mounting unit featuring engagement means that allow for easy mounting and dismantling along the wiper blade's longitudinal extent, using a non-positive or positively locking connection that can be released with an actuating apparatus, enabling simple exchange and adaptation to window curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screw connections are used to fasten the wiper blade to the drive shaft, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of operation for mounting and dismantling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate modular components: a fastening element on the drive shaft and a mounting unit on the wiper blade. These segments can be independently assembled and disassembled through a simple insertion movement along the wiper blade's longitudinal axis, eliminating the need for complex screw connections while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement means incorporate a dynamic locking mechanism that automatically secures the mounting unit to the fastening element upon insertion. The connection transitions from a loose insertion state to a locked engagement state, providing strong attachment during wiper operation while allowing easy release when needed through actuation of the releasing device.
2Reliability
If conventional fastening methods are used, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex screw fastening system is extracted and replaced with a simplified engagement mechanism. The essential function of secure connection is maintained through the engagement means with locking features, while the unnecessary complexity of threaded fasteners, washers, and multiple fastening steps is completely removed from the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement means are designed to automatically lock into place upon insertion of the mounting unit onto the fastening element. The locking mechanism engages self-actuatingly without requiring manual intervention or complex adjustment procedures, thereby simplifying the overall device while ensuring reliable connection during wiper operation.
3Ease of repair
If the wiper blade is designed for easy replacement, then the ease of repair is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement means feature an asymmetric geometry where the mounting unit has a protruding engagement element that corresponds to a receptacle on the fastening element. This asymmetric design provides inherent alignment guidance during insertion, ensuring proper positioning without requiring high manufacturing precision. The asymmetric shape prevents incorrect installation while facilitating easy, tool-free replacement.
4Ease of operation
If a releasable engagement mechanism is used, then the ease of operation for dismantling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The releasing device is merged with the engagement means as an integrated component. The releasing mechanism is built into the mounting unit or fastening element itself, combining the functions of engagement and release into a single unified structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate releasing mechanisms or additional components, thereby simplifying the overall device while enabling easy dismantling through actuation of the integrated releasing device.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a windshield wiper device (100) for a vehicle, having a fastening element (32) and a mounting unit (110) configured to be mounted to the fastening element (32), wherein the mounting unit (110) has a first engagement means (116). The windshield wiper device (100) comprises a wiper blade (2) having a longitudinal extension (8), wherein on the wiper blade side, the wiper blade (2) is provided with a fastening part (120) having a second engagement means (124). The mounting unit (110) and the fastening part (120) on the wiper blade side can be inserted into each other, at least partially, by a movement substantially along the longitudinal extension (8) of the wiper blade (2). The first engagement means (116) and the second engagement means (124) are designed to engage with one another, whenever the mounting unit (110) and the fastening part (120) on the wiper blade side are inserted into each other. The engagement between the first engagement means (116) of the mounting unit (110) and the second engagement means (124) of the fastening part (120) on the wiper blade side can be released.