Windscreen Wiper Mounting With Nested Expandable Locking Fastener
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current windscreen wiper mounting assemblies for vehicles are complex and time-consuming to install, requiring multiple parts and tools, and incur high transportation costs due to separate packaging.
Innovation Solution
A securing device comprising a grommet with an expandable end, a middle connector with a hollow elongated segment, and a locking member with a pin, allowing for tool-free installation by deforming expandable ends to secure the assembly to the vehicle body, reducing complexity and packaging needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screws and bolts are used to fix windscreen wipers to the vehicle body, then the connection is reliable, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring multiple parts and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated securing device comprising a grommet, middle connector, and locking member. This merging eliminates the need for separate screws, bolts, and additional fastening components, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable connection through the integrated mechanical interlocking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The securing device incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features where the expandable ends automatically engage with the vehicle body holes and the locking member self-locks into position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external tools and multiple installation steps, reducing installation time and complexity while ensuring reliable fixation
2Reliability
If multiple separate parts are used in windscreen wiper mounting assembly, then the assembly can be securely fixed, but transportation costs increase due to need for separate packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three previously separate components (grommet, middle connector, and locking member) into a single integrated securing device assembly. This consolidation reduces the quantity of separate parts from multiple discrete components to one unified assembly, eliminating the need for separate packaging of each component while maintaining the reliable fixation function through the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The securing device employs a nested structure where the locking member is inserted into the middle connector, which in turn is inserted into the grommet. This nesting arrangement allows all functional components to be contained within a single compact assembly, reducing the number of separate parts for transportation while preserving the multi-stage secure fixation mechanism
3Reliability
If traditional multi-part mounting assembly is used, then the connection is secure, but installation time increases due to need for tools and complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device is designed with self-installing features where the expandable ends automatically expand upon insertion into the vehicle body holes and the locking member self-locks into the middle connector without requiring external tools. This self-service mechanism eliminates the time-consuming steps of tool selection, tool handling, and manual fastening operations while maintaining secure connection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The securing device is pre-assembled in a nested configuration before installation, with all components positioned and prepared for immediate installation. The expandable ends are pre-configured to expand upon insertion, and the locking member is pre-positioned to engage automatically. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site assembly and tool-based fastening, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring reliable connection
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid, tool-free installation and compact transportation of windscreen wiper mounting assemblies, reducing installation time and transportation costs while ensuring a stable and reliable connection.
Implementation Method 1
the pin is pushed through the second expandable end which is inserted into the first expandable end so as to deform the first and second expandable ends
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 3a
AI summary
The securing device (20a, 20b, 20c) for a windscreen wiper mounting assembly (3b), comprises a grommet (22) comprising a through orifice (22a) and a first expandable end (221) disposed in one end of the through orifice (22a); a middle connector (24, 34) comprising a first fixing means (241, 341) and an elongated segment (242, 342) being hollow and comprising a second expandable end (243, 343) adapted to be inserted into the through orifice (22a); and a locking member (26, 36) comprising a second fixing means (261, 361) and a pin (262, 362) adapted to be inserted into the elongated segment (242, 342). The securing device (20a, 20b, 20c) is adapted to present a first configuration in which the pin (262, 362) is partly inserted into the elongated segment (242, 342) which is inserted into the first expandable end (221) and the second fixing means (261, 361) engages the first fixing means (241, 341) so as to fix the locking member (26, 36) to the middle connector (24, 34), and a second configuration in which the pin (262, 362) is pushed through the second expandable end (243, 343) which is inserted into the first expandable end (221, 321) so as to deform the first and second expandable ends (221, 243; 343).