Windscreen Wiper Fluid Connector for Easy Blade Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing windshield wiper systems face challenges in providing a simple, reliable, and easy-to-use connection between the wiper arm and the wiper blade, particularly in terms of fluidic connectivity and ease of assembly/disassembly.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a connecting unit with a connecting block that exhibits a directional deviation, allowing for a fluidic connection between the wiper arm and the wiper blade adapter. This design includes a plug-in valve for a fluid-tight connection and a polyhedral connecting block for enhanced usability and manufacturing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional fluid connection between wiper arm and wiper blade is used, then fluid transport is achieved, but the connection is complex and difficult to assemble/disassemble

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into separate functional modules: the wiper blade adapter with coupling element, the connecting unit with connecting block and fluid channel, and the wiper arm with fluid connection unit. This segmentation allows independent assembly and disassembly of each module, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining fluid transport functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting unit with the connecting block serves as an intermediary component between the wiper arm's fluid connection unit and the wiper blade adapter. This intermediate element simplifies the overall connection by providing a standardized interface that mediates both mechanical coupling and fluidic connection, reducing the complexity of direct integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the wiper blade adapter is permanently connected to the wiper blade, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility for removal and reconnection is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidremovability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the wiper blade adapter and the wiper arm is designed to be dynamically changeable rather than permanently fixed. The coupling element allows the adapter to be securely attached during operation for structural stability, while enabling easy removal and reconnection for adaptability. This dynamic connection state resolves the contradiction between stability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the connecting block is rigid, then manufacturing precision is improved, but bending during assembly causes connection difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnecting block precisionVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting block incorporates flexible elements or flexible connection paths that allow controlled bending during the assembly process. This flexibility enables the connecting block to adapt to minor misalignments and accommodate assembly variations without compromising the manufacturing precision of the rigid portions. The flexible sections absorb dimensional tolerances, making assembly easier while maintaining connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3959108B1Windscreen wiper
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3959108B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3959108B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3959108B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a windscreen wiper (10) having at least one wiper arm (20), which has at least one fluid connection unit (22); a wiper frame (40), which has at least one wiper frame adapter (42) for coupling to the wiper arm (20) and which is removable; and at least one connecting unit (60), which has at least one fluid channel (68) to a fluid passage. According to the invention, the connecting unit (60) has at least one connection block (62), which is provided for fluid-connection of the fluid connection unit (22) and the wiper frame adapter (42).