Windshield Wiper Joint Rod Ball Socket Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield wiper drives face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively fastening ball sockets to connecting rods, particularly due to the complexity and length of toggle links, which complicates handling and requires frequent adjustment of injection molding tools for varying rod lengths.
Innovation Solution
A connecting rod design featuring a base body with recesses for spherical shells, where the ball socket is mechanically fastened through deformation such as folding, beading, or rolling, eliminating the need for complex overmolding and allowing for cost-effective production using a single tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ball sockets are fastened using plastic injection molding, then the ball sockets are securely attached to the connecting rod, but the process becomes complex and requires frequent tool adjustment for varying rod lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod is divided into a base body and a separate attachment element (wire or strip). The attachment element is inserted into a recess in the base body and then deformed to secure the ball socket, separating the fastening function from the main rod structure and simplifying the overall manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The complex plastic injection molding process is replaced with a simpler mechanical fastening system using wire or strip that is deformed around the ball socket. This mechanical approach eliminates the need for complex molds and allows for easier adaptation to different rod lengths
2Adaptability or versatility
If connecting rods are made relatively long to accommodate various vehicle models, then adaptability is improved, but handling during manufacturing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod is segmented into a base body with a recess and a separate attachment element. This segmentation allows the rod to be manufactured in standardized lengths while the attachment element can be adjusted or selected to suit different vehicle models, improving adaptability without increasing overall rod length
Solution Approach 2:
The recess is pre-formed in the base body during manufacturing, allowing the attachment element to be easily inserted and deformed later. This preliminary preparation simplifies subsequent assembly operations and makes the rod easier to handle during manufacturing processes
3Adaptability or versatility
If injection molds are readjusted frequently for varying rod lengths, then production adaptability is improved, but production time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base body with recess is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different attachment elements for various rod lengths. This universal design eliminates the need for frequent mold readjustments, as the same base body can be used with different attachment configurations to produce rods of varying lengths
Solution Approach 2:
The variable length adaptation is extracted from the base body manufacturing process and placed in the attachment element. This allows the base body to be manufactured using a single standardized process, while the attachment element can be varied to suit different rod lengths, significantly reducing mold readjustment frequency
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
This approach simplifies the fastening process, reduces production costs, and enhances the structural integrity and rigidity of the connecting rod, making it suitable for various vehicle models with adaptable wiping movements.
Implementation Method 1
The spherical shell is attached to the base body by deforming it. This deformation preferably involves folding, bending, flanging, creasing, and/or rolling the base body.
Implementation Method 2
The spherical shell is attached to the base body by deforming it. This deformation preferably involves folding, bending, flanging, creasing, and/or rolling the base body.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
AI summary
The invention relates to a joint rod, having a main body, in which at least one cut-out is provided, and having a ball socket, which is arranged in the cut-out, wherein the ball socket is inserted into the cut-out and is frictionally and/or interlockingly fastened in the main body. The invention further relates to a windshield wiper drive having at least one such joint rod and to a method for producing the joint rod.