Parallel Wiper Blade Heating Connector Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electrical connection devices for wiper blade heating systems require precise assembly, which is difficult to control, especially in high-speed manufacturing, due to the perpendicular connection configuration, leading to challenges in tolerancing and contact pressure control.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connection device with a body configured to attach to the mechanical connector of the wiper system in a direction parallel to the brush, using flexible contact blades and guide means for easy insertion and locking, allowing for wider positional tolerance and simplified assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the electrical connection is made directly on the brush perpendicular to it, then the electrical connection is established, but the assembly requires precise dimensioning and control of contact pressure, making it difficult to control in high-volume production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly precisionVSAvoidhigh-volume production efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the connection direction from perpendicular to the brush (requiring precise positioning) to parallel to the brush (allowing wider tolerances). The body is adapted to come into contact with the mechanical connector in a direction substantially parallel to the blade, transforming the assembly approach from precision-critical to tolerance-friendly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces flexible contact blades instead of rigid contact points, changing the physical state from rigid to flexible. This allows the contact elements to adapt to positional variations and compensates for manufacturing tolerances, reducing the need for precise dimensioning while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the contact points are precisely positioned on the brush, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but the component dimensioning becomes complex and assembly control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent dimensioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid contact points with flexible contact blades that can deform to ensure reliable contact. This flexibility compensates for positional variations without requiring precise component dimensioning, simplifying the design while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The contact blades are designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing them to dynamically adapt to the position of the heating device during assembly. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable electrical connection without requiring precise pre-positioning of contact points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If the connection device requires precise geometric positioning, then accurate electrical contact is achieved, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact position accuracyVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the assembly approach from perpendicular insertion requiring precise geometric positioning to parallel insertion that naturally aligns with the blade direction. This dimensional change simplifies the assembly process and reduces positioning requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible contact blades automatically adjust their position and orientation during assembly to achieve proper contact with the heating device. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for precise pre-positioning and complex alignment procedures during assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Facilitates a more straightforward and reliable electrical connection between the power source and the heating device, reducing assembly complexity and increasing tolerance in component alignment, thus enhancing the ease of mounting and ensuring a stable electrical connection.

Implementation Method 1

said connecting plug(s) comprising flexible contact blades, including a portion forming a contact pad with said heating device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2889193B1Electrical connection device for a wiper blade of a wiping system of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
  • EP2889193B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP2889193B1 patent drawingFigure 6~10

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical connection device (1) for a heating device (5) of a wiper blade (3) of a motor vehicle wiper system, said connection device being intended, when the blade is assembled to an arm head of the wiper system, to connect an electrical power supply from the arm head of the wiper system to said heating device (5), said connection device comprising a body (9) configured to be related to a mechanical connector (11) of the blade and an electrical connection element (7) enabling an electrical connection to be established between said connection device and said heating device (5) through said body 9, said body 9 being adapted to come into contact with the mechanical connector (11) in a direction substantially parallel to the blade, when the electrical connection device is mounted on the blade.