Windscreen Wiper Hydraulic Connector Offset Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing windscreen wiper systems face challenges with unreliable hydraulic connections between the actuating arm and the wiper blade due to relative movement, making connection and disconnection difficult, especially when changing a worn blade, and are prone to disconnection under overpressure.
Innovation Solution
A windscreen wiper system with a hydraulic connector connected to a rigid junction element that includes blocking means to secure the connection, featuring a cover to offset and protect the connection for improved ergonomics and aesthetics, and an optional non-return valve and electrical connection for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic connector is used to connect the fluid inlet pipe to the brush, then the fluid connection is established, but the connection and disconnection operations become complex and difficult for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic connection system is segmented into modular components: the adapter remains fixed on the arm, while the hydraulic connector is integrated with the brush assembly. This segmentation allows the brush to be replaced independently without manipulating complex hydraulic connections, significantly simplifying user operation while maintaining connection reliability through dedicated coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves as an intermediary element between the arm and the hydraulic connector. It provides a stable mounting point for the hydraulic connector, allowing the fluid inlet pipe to connect reliably to the brush through the adapter's standardized interface, while the brush assembly can be easily detached as a complete unit.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the fluid inlet pipe is concealed and guided along the arm parallel to the brush, then the connection is protected, but overpressure force risks disconnecting the inlet pipe from the inlet fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic connector and fluid inlet connection are positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the brush axis, rather than being aligned parallel to it. This dimensional repositioning allows the connection to withstand overpressure forces generated during wiping operations, as the force vector no longer acts directly to disconnect the inlet pipe from the inlet fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter and hydraulic connector are designed with pre-positioned blocking means that counteract overpressure forces before they can cause disconnection. The connector's geometry and mounting arrangement create preliminary resistance to the directional forces generated during high-pressure fluid delivery, preventing detachment of the fluid inlet pipe.
3Reliability
If the connector is arranged under the adapter, then the hydraulic connection is established, but access to the connector becomes difficult for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The brush assembly and hydraulic connector are merged into a single integrated unit. The connector is positioned such that it moves with the brush as one assembly, eliminating the need for users to access or manipulate the connector separately. This merging allows the connector to be stable during operation while remaining accessible when the brush is removed as a complete unit for replacement.
4Ease of manufacture
If the connection components are exposed, then the assembly is simple, but the aesthetics and protection of the connection are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic connector and fluid inlet pipe are nested within or alongside the adapter structure, which serves as a housing or cover. This nesting arrangement maintains simple assembly through standardized interfaces while simultaneously providing aesthetic coverage and protective enclosure for the connection components during normal operation.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a windscreen wiper system, particularly for a motor vehicle. The system comprises a wiper blade (4) hinged to a drive arm (1) via an adaptor (2) connected to the arm (1) and to a hydraulic connector (3), which in turn is connected to the blade (4) and comprises at least one inlet coupling (6) designed to be coupled to a cleaning and de-icing fluid feed (5). The system also comprises a rigid joining part (7, 8), one end of which is coupled to the inlet coupling (6), and the other end of which is intended to be coupled to the fluid feed (5). In this way the connection between the fluid feed (5) and the connector is made secure and reliable. In addition, the joining piece provides an offset which makes connecting and disconnecting easier for the user, particularly when the user wishes to change a worn blade, and enables the whole of the connection to be concealed more easily and thus given a more attractive appearance.