Windscreen Wiper Joint Part with Spring-Loaded Interference Fingers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The diverse shapes and configurations of oscillating wiper arms in passenger vehicles lead to increased design and manufacturing costs for windscreen wiper device manufacturers, as they need to create different connecting devices for various arm styles and sizes, resulting in inefficiencies in securing the wiper blades.
Innovation Solution
A windscreen wiper device with a joint part featuring spring-loaded interference fingers and tongues that provide a secure, adjustable connection with wiper arms, reducing side-to-side play and rattling, and allowing for attachment with different types of wiper arms through a U-shaped cross-section and pivot mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different connecting devices are designed for various wiper arm styles and sizes, then the adaptability to different wiper arms is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The joint part is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple types of wiper arms (pin-style, bayonet-style, top lock-style) through a single connecting device. The spring-loaded interference fingers and tongues can engage with different arm configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connecting devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device incorporates spring-loaded interference fingers and tongues that can dynamically adjust their position and engagement force. This dynamic capability allows the same joint part to securely connect with various wiper arm types by automatically adapting to the specific geometry and requirements of each arm style.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different connecting devices are designed for various wiper arm styles and sizes, then the adaptability to different wiper arms is improved, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The joint part is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple types of wiper arms (pin-style, bayonet-style, top lock-style) through a single connecting device. The spring-loaded interference fingers and tongues can engage with different arm configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connecting devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple specialized connecting devices into a single joint part that handles various wiper arm types. By combining the engagement features (interference fingers, tongues, spring mechanisms) into one integrated component, the manufacturer produces fewer unique parts, reducing tooling, inventory, and production costs.
3Reliability
If a secure connection is achieved between the joint part and wiper arm, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to spring loaded components
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device incorporates spring-loaded interference fingers and tongues that can dynamically adjust their position and engagement force. This dynamic capability allows the same joint part to securely connect with various wiper arm types by automatically adapting to the specific geometry and requirements of each arm style.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded interference fingers and tongues are designed to automatically engage and secure the joint part to the wiper arm without requiring additional fastening operations. The springs provide automatic tension and positioning, allowing the component to self-adjust and self-secure during installation, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable connection.
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
The solution enables a secure, adjustable, and efficient attachment of wiper blades to various wiper arms, reducing manufacturing costs and improving the connection stability, thus enhancing the sealing performance and reducing rattling and play between components.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the side walls has a pair of spring loaded interference fingers which project outwardly for engaging an inner surface of a wiper arm to reduce side to side play between the joint part and the wiper arm
Implementation Method 2
each spring loaded finger has a longitudinally facing ramped surface for automatically deflecting the spring loaded finger as the joint part is attached with a wiper arm
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The windscreen wiper device includes a wiper blade that is made of an elastomeric material and extends in a longitudinal direction. The windscreen wiper device also includes a joint part with a U-shaped cross-section that includes a top wall and a pair of side walls. At least one of the side walls has a spring loaded interference finger which projects outwardly for engaging an inner surface of a wiper arm to reduce side to side play between the joint part and the wiper arm.