Wiper Blade Heating Element Vertebra Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing windscreen wiper blade heating devices often expose electrical connectors to excessive heat, risking damage and reducing their lifespan due to direct heat radiation, especially when used frequently.

Innovation Solution

The heating element is positioned on the lower face of the vertebra, with electrical conduction means passing through crossings in the vertebra, which are strategically located to avoid direct heat exposure and ensure connectivity to the electrical connector, while maintaining effective heat distribution to the wiper blade.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the heating element is positioned on the upper face of the vertebra, then heat distribution to the wiper blade is improved, but the electrical connector is exposed to excessive heat which reduces its lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat distributionVSAvoidelectrical connector lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is repositioned from the upper face to the lower face of the vertebra, utilizing the third dimension (vertical positioning) to resolve the contradiction. This spatial reconfiguration allows heat to be distributed effectively to the wiper blade while the vertebra structure itself shields the electrical connector from direct heat exposure, thus extending connector lifespan

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

2Reliability

If the heating element is positioned on the lower face of the vertebra, then the electrical connector is protected from heat, but the heat distribution efficiency to the wiper blade may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connector protectionVSAvoidheat distribution efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The vertebra acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates heat transfer from the heating element on its lower face to the wiper blade above. The vertebra's material properties and geometric structure enable it to conduct and distribute heat effectively while simultaneously serving as a thermal barrier that protects the electrical connector from excessive heat exposure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 shields the electrical connector from overheating, extending its lifespan and ensuring reliable operation by protecting it from excessive heat while maintaining efficient heat distribution to the wiper blade.

Implementation Method 1

The heating device in this type of wiper blade comprises a heating element integrated in the body of the wiper blade

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistive heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

the vertebra 4 also has the function of conveying and distributing the heat coming from the heating element 13 arranged on its upper face

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2821299B1Heating device for a windscreen-wiper blade and windscreen-wiper blade comprising same
Publication Date: 2016.09.14 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
  • EP2821299B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2821299B1 patent drawingFigure 5~9B

AI summary

The heating device is adapted to be assembled to a support element (3) of a wiper blade and includes a longitudinal main axis element (4) adapted to be mounted inside a housing (5) of the support element (3) so as to form a vertebra. A heating element (13) is disposed on an underside face of the vertebra-forming element (4). The vertebra-forming element (4) includes at least one through-hole (20) for the passage of electrical conduction means (19) for supplying power to the heating element (13).