Wiper Blade Heating Element on Vertebra Faces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield wiper heating devices face challenges in resisting corrosion and abrasion when switching from brass to stainless steel, requiring increased dimensions that can lead to undesirable contacts with connector parts, necessitating a solution to accommodate larger heating elements without widening the vertebrae.
Innovation Solution
A heating device with a mechanical connector system that allows for the installation of a heating element with larger dimensions on the vertebra, where one part is placed on the upper face and another on the lower face, ensuring electrical contact without increasing the vertebra's width, using a flexible heating film or wires, and conductive tracks for optimal contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heating element dimensions are increased to resist corrosion and abrasion when switching from brass to stainless steel, then corrosion and abrasion resistance is improved, but the heating element may have a width greater than that of the vertebra or cause undesirable contact with connector parts
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is configured to extend on both the upper face and lower face of the vertebra, utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness of the vertebra) rather than only increasing width. This allows the heating element to achieve the necessary surface area for corrosion resistance while maintaining compatibility with the vertebra's width constraints and avoiding contact with connector parts.
2Area of stationary object
If the heating element dimensions are increased, then heating surface area is improved, but the overall structure of the wiper blade needs to be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element extends on both the upper face and lower face of the vertebra, effectively doubling the heating surface area without requiring an increase in the vertebra's width or modification of the overall wiper blade structure. This utilizes the available vertical space within the existing vertebra dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is implemented as a flexible heating film that can be conformally applied to both the upper and lower faces of the vertebra. This flexible film approach allows for increased surface area while maintaining a thin profile that fits within the existing vertebra structure without requiring structural modifications.
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 the assembly of a larger heating element on the vertebra without widening it, ensuring effective electrical contact and reducing the risk of undesirable contacts, thus maintaining the original structure of the wiper blade while enhancing corrosion and abrasion resistance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating element, a first part of which is disposed on the superior face of the vertebra, a second part of the heating element being disposed on the lower face of the vertebra
Data Source
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AI summary
A heating device comprising at least one vertebra (3) adapted to be mounted longitudinally in a housing of a wiper blade, the so-called upper face (13) of the vertebra (3) being located opposite the actuating arm in the assembled position of the wiper blade with the actuating arm; at least one heating element (2) of which a first part (14) is disposed on the upper face (13) of the vertebra (3). A second part (14') of the heating element (2) is disposed on the lower face (13') of the vertebra (3), opposite the upper face (13), the first and second parts (14, 14') of the heating element (2) disposed on the upper face (13) and on the lower face (13') of the vertebra (3) being in electrical contact with each other.