Wiper Arm Holder Tensioning Against Windshield Snap-Back Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Windshield wiper arms often snap back into contact position when not in use, potentially damaging the windshield or wiper blade, especially in cold conditions where they are extended to prevent ice and debris accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A wiper arm holder system that includes a shaft section with end loops for attaching to wiper arm elements, allowing for tensioning by adjusting the distance between the arms and locking them in an extended position, with optional support arms to prevent movement towards the windshield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wiper arm is positioned in the extended position to prevent ice and debris accumulation, then the wiper blade is protected from freezing, but the wiper arm may snap back and damage the windshield or wiper blade
Solution Approach 1:
The holder applies a preliminary counteracting force to the wiper arm in the extended position, creating tension that prevents the arm from snapping back. This preliminary anti-action counterbalances the natural tendency of the wiper arm to return to the contact position, thereby eliminating the harmful snap-back effect while maintaining the protective extended position.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary device between the wiper arm and the windshield. It provides mechanical support and tensioning force to the wiper arm, mediating the force balance to prevent uncontrolled movement. The holder's support surface against the windshield and its tensioning mechanism work together as an intermediary system to stabilize the wiper arm in the extended position.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the wiper arm is held in the extended position using a holder with tensioning, then the wiper arm remains stable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is segmented into distinct functional components: a body portion with a support surface for abutting against the windshield, and a separate tensioning mechanism (such as a telescoping rod or spring assembly). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design modular and manageable, reducing complexity through functional decomposition.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex locking mechanism to prevent the wiper arm from moving, the holder inverts the approach by using a simple support surface that abuts against the windshield to provide passive support. The tensioning element works in conjunction with this simple support structure, turning a potentially complex stabilization problem into a simpler system that uses the windshield itself as part of the support structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper arm holder for supporting first and second wiper arm elements located in extended position relative to a motor vehicle windshield. The holder includes a shaft section having a first end loop for attaching the shaft section to the first wiper arm element. The holder also includes a receiver section having a second end loop for attaching the receiver section to the second wiper arm element. The receiver section receives the shaft section and the shaft section is moveable relative to the receiver section. In use, the shaft section is moved to a desired position that changes a distance between the first and second wiper arm elements to place the first and second wiper arms in tension. Further, the holder includes a locking mechanism for locking the shaft section in the desired position. In an embodiment, the holder includes a rotatable support arm that abuts against the windshield to support the holder.