Wiper Motor Mounting Bracket Snap-Fit Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper motor mounting assemblies are time-consuming and complex to assemble and disassemble, with a high risk of losing screws and structural weaknesses, particularly due to the use of screws and quick couplings that are not robust enough for repeated use and storage.
Innovation Solution
A wiper motor mounting assembly that incorporates a snap-fit engaging mechanism as an integral part of the wiper motor unit, allowing for fast and robust assembly without the need for additional tools, with the engaging means being made from the same material as the motor unit housing, providing increased durability and flexibility in application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used as fixing means, then the connection is secure, but the assembly time is long and disassembly is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into two independent parts: fixing means (screws) for secure connection and engaging means (protrusions) for rapid positioning. This segmentation allows the engaging means to provide immediate mechanical engagement reducing assembly time, while the fixing means provide the secure fastening, thus resolving the contradiction between connection security and assembly speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging means (protrusions and apertures) perform the preliminary action of positioning and pre-connecting the bracket to the wiper motor unit before the fixing means are fully tightened. This preliminary mechanical engagement eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment operations, directly reducing assembly time while maintaining connection security through the subsequent fixing means.
2Productivity
If quick coupling type connection is used, then assembly is fast, but the structure is not robust enough under strong pushing forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two connection mechanisms into a single system: the quick coupling engaging means (protrusions and apertures) for rapid assembly and the screw fixing means for robust connection. The engaging means provide the fast assembly capability while the fixing means reinforce the connection to withstand strong pushing forces, thus combining the advantages of both quick coupling and secure fastening without the weaknesses of either alone.
3Ease of operation
If separate screws are used as fixing means, then the connection is detachable, but the risk of dropping screws during assembly is high
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing means and engaging means are merged into an integrated connection system where the protrusions guide the screws into their correct positions. This integration ensures that screws remain associated with their corresponding mounting locations throughout the assembly process, eliminating the risk of losing separate screws while maintaining the detachable nature of the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging means (protrusions and apertures) act as an intermediary mechanism that guides and positions the fixing means (screws). This intermediary structure ensures that screws are properly oriented and retained during assembly, preventing them from being dropped or lost while still allowing for easy detachment when needed.
4Productivity
If extrusions forming quick type connections are provided on support elements, then assembly is fast, but storage in piles is not convenient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing quick coupling features on the bracket (support element) as in prior art, the invention inverts the arrangement by providing the engaging means (protrusions) on the wiper motor unit housing. This inversion allows the bracket to maintain its simple flat structure suitable for stacking and storage, while still achieving fast assembly through the protrusions on the motor unit that engage with apertures in the bracket.
Data Source
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AI summary
Wiper motor mounting assembly (10) comprising a wiper motor unit (11) and a bracket (12) for mounting the wiper motor unit (11) to a vehicle body wherein the wiper motor unit (11) comprises at least one fixing hole (15') for receiving fixing means (16), the bracket (12) comprises at least one fixing aperture (15) for receiving fixing means (16), the bracket (12) being fixed to the wiper motor unit (11) by fixing means (16) in a mounted state, characterized in that the bracket (12) and the wiper motor unit (11) are, in the mounted state, additionally connected by at least one engaging means (19), the engaging means (19) being an integral part of the wiper motor unit (11) and in that the bracket (12) is provided with at least one engaging aperture (18) for receiving at least one engaging means (19).