Windscreen Wiper Hydraulic Connector Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing windscreen wiper systems face difficulties in correctly aligning and securing the hydraulic and electric connectors during installation and removal, leading to potential leaks and poor electrical contact, especially due to the lack of visibility and ease of use for operators.
Innovation Solution
A guidance system for the hydraulic connector that allows movement and rotation within the terminal part of the wiper arm, featuring a supporting means such as slots and excrescences, ensures automatic alignment and secure locking with the mechanical connector, preventing leaks and facilitating user-friendly installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the hydraulic connector is rigidly fixed to the terminal part, then the connection stability is improved, but the alignment precision deteriorates due to inability to accommodate position deviations during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the rigid fixed connection into a dynamic adjustable connection. The hydraulic connector is equipped with sliding elements that can move within guide slots on the terminal part, allowing the connector to adjust its position dynamically during installation to achieve precise alignment with the mechanical connector, while still maintaining stable connection when installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection system into modular components: the terminal part with guide slots, the hydraulic connector with sliding elements, and the mechanical connector. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a system, facilitating both alignment and stability.
2Ease of operation
If the hydraulic connector is made movable for easy installation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection reliability deteriorates due to potential misalignment and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guide slots as intermediary elements between the terminal part and the hydraulic connector. These guide slots act as mediators that constrain the movement of the sliding elements, ensuring that the hydraulic connector moves along a predetermined path that guarantees proper alignment with the mechanical connector, thus maintaining connection reliability while enabling easy installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic sliding mechanism allows the hydraulic connector to be easily positioned during installation, while the guide slots ensure that the movement remains controlled and aligned, preventing misalignment and leaks that would compromise connection reliability.
3Device complexity
If the connector assembly is simplified to reduce complexity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the functionality deteriorates due to inability to provide both mechanical and electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical connection function and the electrical connection function into a single integrated connector assembly. The hydraulic connector simultaneously provides mechanical coupling through the sliding and locking mechanism, and electrical connection through integrated contacts, thereby reducing the number of separate components while maintaining versatile functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is designed as a universal multi-functional component that performs multiple functions: mechanical connection, electrical connection, and positioning alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate mechanical and electrical connectors, while still providing comprehensive connection capabilities.
4Manufacturing precision
If the hydraulic connector requires manual holding during installation, then the alignment precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in simultaneous handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing the hydraulic connector with self-aligning sliding elements that automatically position themselves within the guide slots during installation. The connector guides its own alignment through the geometric constraints of the slots and sliding mechanism, eliminating the need for manual holding or positioning by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic sliding mechanism enables the hydraulic connector to self-adjust its position as it is being installed, automatically achieving precise alignment with the mechanical connector without requiring manual intervention to hold or position it, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining alignment precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Assembly for the production of a wiping system, comprising a terminal part (2) of a wiper arm designed to move a wiper blade (3) over the surface to be wiped and a hydraulic connector (30) comprising at least one piping element (31, 32) for conveying a liquid to the wiper blade (3), the said terminal part comprising at least one means (8) for supporting the said hydraulic connector ensuring that it is held longitudinally with reference to the wiper arm. It is characterized in that the said supporting means allows a movement of the said hydraulic connector (30) in a direction convergent with the longitudinal direction.