Windshield Wiper Adapter Lateral Coupling Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield wiper devices face challenges in simplifying the coupling of wiper arm adapters to wiper blade adapters, leading to complex assembly processes and increased air resistance during operation, which affects wiping efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The integration of coupling elements for lateral coupling between wiper arm and wiper blade adapters, along with automatic and manual coupling mechanisms for the spray and heating units, allows for a space-saving design that simplifies assembly and reduces air resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the spray unit and heating unit are integrated into the wiper blade adapter, then the assembly is more compact and space-saving, but the coupling complexity between wiper arm adapter and wiper blade adapter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade adapter is segmented into functional modules: the spray unit with spray nozzles and the heating unit with heating elements are integrated as separate functional modules within the adapter structure. This segmentation allows each module to be independently designed and coupled, reducing the overall coupling complexity while maintaining compact integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper blade adapter is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as the mounting interface for the wiper blade, the housing for the spray unit, and the structure for the heating unit. This universality consolidates multiple functions into a single adapter structure, achieving space-saving integration without proportionally increasing coupling complexity.
2Device complexity
If traditional coupling methods are used for wiper arm adapter to wiper blade adapter, then the coupling is simple, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements are pre-configured in both the wiper arm adapter and wiper blade adapter during manufacturing. The coupling elements include pre-positioned coupling arms and corresponding receptacles that are factory-prepared, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during assembly and significantly speeding up the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking. When the wiper arm adapter is brought into position, the coupling elements automatically engage through their geometric design, with the coupling arms fitting into the receptacles without requiring external alignment tools or complex manual adjustment procedures.
3Device complexity
If the wiper blade adapter design does not consider lateral coupling, then the structure is simpler, but air resistance during wiping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements are positioned and oriented in the lateral dimension, perpendicular to the main wiping direction. The coupling arms extend laterally from the wiper arm adapter and engage with receptacles positioned on the sides of the wiper blade adapter, creating a compact profile in the direction of motion that reduces air resistance during wiping.
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 configuration enables a straightforward coupling of wiper arm adapters to wiper blade adapters, facilitates easy assembly of spray and heating units, and minimizes air resistance during wiping, resulting in improved wiping efficiency and reduced maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit for heating a wiper blade
Implementation Method 2
a spray unit for spraying a washer fluid onto a vehicle windshield
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a windshield wiper device (10a; 10b) for a windshield wiper (12a; 12b), comprising at least one wiper arm adapter (14a; 14b), at least one wiper blade adapter (16a; 16b), and a heating unit (18a; 18b) for heating a wiper blade (20a; 20b) and/or a spray unit (22a; 22b) for spraying a wash fluid onto a vehicle windshield, wherein the spray unit (22a; 22b) and/or the heating unit (18a; 18b) is/are at least partly arranged in the wiper blade adapter (16a; 16b). The wiper arm adapter (14a; 14b) and the wiper blade adapter (16a; 16b) have coupling elements (24a, 26a; 24b, 26b) which are provided for laterally coupling the wiper arm adapter (14a; 14b) to the wiper blade adapter (16a; 16b).