Windshield Wiper Fluid Manifold Mounting System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield wiper systems with fluid manifolds are aesthetically unpleasing, complex, and require numerous steps to manufacture and mount, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A beam blade windshield wiper assembly with a fluid manifold mounting system that includes an elongated beam, airfoil assembly, and a fluid manifold distribution system, which is aesthetically pleasing, easy to manufacture, and efficiently mounted, reducing windlift and improving wiping action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fluid manifold is incorporated into conventional wiper blade or arm structures, then fluid distribution function is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid manifold mounting system merges the manifold attachment function with the existing wiper blade structure by integrating mounting brackets and fasteners that combine structural support and fluid distribution mounting capabilities into a unified assembly, reducing the number of separate mounting steps and components
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system employs universal mounting brackets and fastener mechanisms that can accommodate different manifold configurations and sizes, allowing the same basic mounting structure to serve multiple manufacturing and assembly purposes across different wiper blade models
2Ease of manufacture
If a fluid manifold is mounted to conventional wiper structures, then fluid distribution is achieved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system applies local aesthetic considerations by designing mounting brackets and fasteners with finished surfaces, concealed fastening mechanisms, and streamlined profiles that match the cosmetic requirements of specific wiper blade sections while maintaining functional performance
3Productivity
If conventional mounting systems are used, then manifold attachment is achieved, but windlift is increased and wiping action is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates aerodynamic shaping in the vertical dimension by designing curved mounting brackets and integrated fairings that redirect airflow over the top of the manifold assembly, reducing turbulent wake and downforce variations that cause windlift during wiper operation
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 provides a cost-effective, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing method to mount a fluid manifold, reducing windlift and improving the wiping action by distributing downward pressure and fluid effectively across the windshield.
Implementation Method 1
an airfoil assembly operatively supported on the elongated beam
Implementation Method 2
The manifold has an inlet in fluid communication with a source of fluid, a plurality of outlets disposed along the longitudinal length of the manifold and an internal passage extending between said inlet and between the inlet and the plurality of outlets
Data Source
AI summary
A beam blade windshield wiper assembly including a wiping element that contacts the surface of the vehicle to be wiped. An elongated beam is operatively attached to the wiping element and has a pair of longitudinal ends. An airfoil assembly is operatively supported on the elongated beam. The assembly also includes a fluid manifold for distributing fluid across the surface to be wiped. The manifold has an inlet in fluid communication with a source of fluid, a plurality of outlets disposed along the longitudinal length of the manifold and an internal passage extending between the inlet and the outlets. A fluid manifold mounting system is adapted to support the fluid manifold on the elongated beam.