Windscreen Wiper Blade Heating Element Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windscreen wiper blade heating devices face challenges in protecting the heating element and maintaining mechanical connector integrity, particularly due to the limited width of the vertebra, which can lead to overheating and reduced robustness.
Innovation Solution
The heating element is positioned on the lower face of the vertebra, with electrical conduction means passing from the lower to the upper face by bypassing the vertebra at one end, ensuring connectivity without compromising the vertebra's strength and shielding the electrical connector from direct heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the heating element is positioned on the upper face of the vertebra, then the heating element is easily accessible and connected to the electrical connector, but the mechanical connector and electrical connector are exposed to direct heat causing overheating and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is repositioned from the upper face to the lower face of the vertebra, utilizing the third dimension (vertical space) to separate the heat source from the connectors. This spatial reconfiguration allows the heating element to remain accessible while preventing direct heat exposure to the mechanical and electrical connectors, thus maintaining connector integrity.
2Area of stationary object
If the vertebra width is reduced to accommodate compact design, then the wiper blade becomes more compact and aesthetically pleasing, but the vertebra robustness and heat distribution capability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The vertebra is designed with non-uniform cross-sectional properties, featuring enhanced thickness and structural reinforcement at critical locations such as the ends and heat distribution zones. This local quality enhancement maintains overall vertebra robustness and heat distribution capability while allowing the overall wiper blade width to be reduced for compact design.
3Device complexity
If the heating element is positioned closer to the electrical connector, then the electrical connection is simpler and shorter, but the electrical connector is exposed to higher temperatures causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The vertebra itself serves as an intermediary element between the heating element and the electrical connector. By positioning the heating element on the lower face and utilizing the vertebra's structure, the patent creates a thermal barrier that mediates heat transfer, protecting the electrical connector from direct thermal exposure while maintaining functional connectivity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If resistive wires are used instead of resistive film, then the heating device can be adapted to different wiper blade configurations, but the manufacturing precision and consistency of heat distribution are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a resistive film integrated with the vertebra structure, creating a composite heating system. The resistive film is applied as a continuous layer on the lower face of the vertebra, ensuring uniform heat distribution. This approach combines the structural integrity of the vertebra with the consistent thermal properties of the film, achieving both adaptability to different wiper blade configurations and manufacturing precision.
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
This configuration enhances heat distribution to the underside of the support element and scraper blade while preventing overheating of mechanical and electrical connectors, maintaining the wiper blade's robustness and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The heating device in this type of wiper blade comprises a heating element integrated in the body of the wiper blade
Implementation Method 2
the vertebra 4 also has the function of conveying and distributing the heat coming from the heating element 13
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 10~15
AI summary
The heating device comprises a vertebra (4) adapted to be mounted inside a longitudinal housing in a support element (3) so as to form a vertebra, said housing being open upwards by a longitudinal slot (17); a heating element disposed on the vertebra-forming element (4) and connected by electrical conduction means (19) to an electrical connector (12) disposed on a superior face of the vertebra. The heating element is disposed on a so-called inferior face of the vertebra-forming element (4), and the electrical conduction means (19) pass from said inferior face to the superior face of the vertebra by passing around one of its ends.