L-Shaped Wiper Jointing Member for Bolt-Free Vehicle Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield wiper apparatus assembly onto vehicle auto body panels is inefficient, requiring bolts and nuts, leading to potential misassembly and inadequate vibration control, resulting in reduced working efficiency and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A wiper apparatus with an L-shaped jointing member that includes a damper for vibration absorption and a clip member with a protruding stopper for visual assembly confirmation, allowing assembly without bolts or screws, and featuring an anti-breakaway sill and anti-movement groove for secure attachment and vibration isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the wiper apparatus is assembled onto the auto body panel using bolts and nuts, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly efficiency deteriorates and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jointing member is divided into multiple functional segments: a fitting portion that inserts into the auto body panel, a pressing portion that applies pressing force, and a stopper portion that prevents excessive insertion. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving both strong connection and easy assembly without requiring multiple fasteners
Solution Approach 2:
The jointing member is designed to be self-assembling through its structural features: the fitting portion automatically inserts into the auto body panel, the pressing portion automatically applies pressing force upon insertion, and the stopper portion automatically limits insertion depth. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for bolts, nuts, or other external fastening components, significantly improving assembly efficiency while maintaining connection strength
2Productivity
If the wiper apparatus is assembled onto the auto body panel in a rotational manner without bolts, then the assembly efficiency is improved, but the vibration control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing portion acts as an intermediary element between the jointing member and the auto body panel. It provides a large contact area that distributes and absorbs vibration energy, preventing vibration propagation while maintaining the simple rotational assembly structure. The pressing portion mediates the interaction between the rotating jointing member and the panel, ensuring stable connection without vibration issues
3Device complexity
If the wiper apparatus is assembled onto the auto body panel in a rotational manner, then the assembly complexity is reduced, but the assembly state detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper portion is designed with a protruding structure that provides visual feedback during assembly. When the jointing member is correctly inserted and rotated into position, the stopper portion's position and orientation change in a visually detectable manner, allowing workers to easily confirm proper assembly state without complex detection equipment. The structural change in the stopper portion serves as a visual indicator of correct assembly
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
Facilitates easy visual confirmation of assembly, reduces vibration propagation, and enhances assembly efficiency by eliminating the need for fasteners, thereby improving the overall assembly process and reducing noise and vibration transmission.
Implementation Method 1
a damper assembled onto the supporter by being fitted to an end part of the supporter, the damper comprising an elastic material to absorb vibration
Data Source
AI summary
A wiper apparatus for a vehicle, including: a frame to receive a wiper driving motor; a supporter formed to protrude from the frame toward an auto body panel; and a jointing member that combines with the supporter and that joins to the auto body panel, wherein the jointing member forms an ‘L’ shape in a longitudinal cross-section including a direction in which the jointing member is finally assembled into the auto body panel, and includes a first pressing part for contacting and supporting one side of the auto body panel; a second pressing part for contacting and supporting the other side of the auto body panel; and a protruding stopper for preventing the auto body panel from rotating in a direction parallel to the auto body panel.