Windshield Wiper Fastening Mechanism for Secure Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Windshield wiper devices face issues with wear and damage, leading to complicated replacement processes, especially when exposed to car washes, due to traditional screw connections that are prone to detachment.
Innovation Solution
A windshield wiper device with a mounting unit and wiper blade featuring engagement means and a locking mechanism that allows secure attachment and easy detachment, utilizing a single movement for mounting and dismantling, preventing unintentional detachment and facilitating simple replacement.
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 functional elements: a fastening element on the drive shaft, a mounting unit with engagement means, and a locking means. This segmentation allows the connection to be established through sequential steps (engagement then locking) rather than requiring threaded fastening, improving ease of operation while maintaining connection strength through the dedicated locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using threaded fasteners that require tightening and loosening operations, the invention inverts the approach by using a push-to-engage mechanism combined with a locking means. The mounting unit and wiper blade-side fastening part are introduced into one another through a simple linear movement, and the locking means automatically secures the connection, reversing the traditional fastening paradigm
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional screw connections are used, then the manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the productivity for replacement operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement means are pre-configured with complementary geometries (protrusions and recesses) that guide the mounting unit and wiper blade-side fastening part into proper alignment during the introduction movement. This preliminary alignment feature ensures manufacturing precision is maintained while enabling rapid replacement without requiring precision threading operations
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system transitions from a static threaded connection to a dynamic sequential process: the mounting unit and wiper blade-side fastening part are first introduced into one another through linear movement, establishing engagement through the engagement means, and then the locking means secures the connection. This dynamic process dramatically increases replacement productivity while maintaining precision through the engineered engagement geometry
3Ease of operation
If simple fastening methods are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into engagement means for initial connection and a separate locking means for securing the connection. This segmentation allows the mounting operation to remain simple (single linear introduction movement) while the locking means provides reliable mechanical interlocking that prevents unintentional detachment, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking means is designed to automatically engage and secure the mounting unit and wiper blade-side fastening part after they are introduced into one another. This self-locking mechanism ensures reliable connection without requiring additional manual fastening operations, maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving connection reliability by preventing accidental detachment
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) has 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 each other whenever the mounting unit (110) and the fastening part (120) on the wiper blade side are inserted into each other. The windshield wiper device (100) further comprises at least one locking means that is designed to lock the mounting unit (110) and the fastening part (120) on the wiper blade side together in order to prevent a movement of the wiper blade (2) substantially along the longitudinal extension (8) thereof.