Wiper Blade Hydraulic Connector Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current windshield wiper blade designs face challenges in standardization due to the need for distinct molds for wiper blades with and without liquid circulation conduits, and are not compatible with butterfly-type wiping systems where arms move in opposing directions.

Innovation Solution

A wiper blade with a hydraulic connector that is independent of the mechanical connector, allowing for the distribution of windscreen washing liquid to projection ramps, and featuring a metal stiffening device that maintains contact pressure and is compatible with both unidirectional and bidirectional arm movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wiper blades are equipped with liquid circulation conduits integrated into the mechanical connector, then the projection function is achieved, but manufacturing standardization is limited requiring separate molds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection functionVSAvoidmanufacturing standardization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the hydraulic connector (with liquid circulation conduit) from the mechanical connector. The hydraulic connector is a distinct component that can be independently manufactured and then assembled with the mechanical connector, allowing standardization of the mechanical connector while adding projection functionality through the separate hydraulic component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid circulation conduit is extracted from the mechanical connector structure and placed into a separate hydraulic connector component. This extraction allows the mechanical connector to remain standardized while the projection function is achieved through the dedicated hydraulic connector that can be added or removed as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If the hydraulic connector is integrated with the mechanical connector, then structural compactness is achieved, but independence and ease of assembly are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural compactnessVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic connector and mechanical connector are segmented as separate components rather than being integrated into a single piece. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimized processes and then assembled together, significantly improving ease of assembly and maintenance while maintaining compact overall structure through their close proximity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2861472B1Wiper blade having a hydraulic connector
Publication Date: 2020.12.16 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
  • EP2861472B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2861472B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2861472B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a wiper blade 3 for a motor vehicle, including at least one wiping blade secured to at least one device for stiffening 14 the wiping blade and to which is attached at least one mechanical connector 15 suitable for connecting the wiper blade 3 to an arm, the wiper blade 3 including at least one element 8 in which is provided at least one pipe 9 capable of channelling a liquid and a hydraulic connector 13 communicating at least with the pipe 9 and immediately adjacent to the mechanical connector 15, characterised in that the hydraulic connector 3 includes at least one securing means 16 engaging at least with the stiffening device 14. The invention is useful in motor vehicles.