Wiper Motor Gearbox Cover Latching Without Mold Undercuts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wiper motors require complex assembly tools and molds due to the presence of undercuts in latching elements, leading to high production costs and tool complexity.
Innovation Solution
Designing latching elements on the gearbox cover without undercuts, allowing for production using two adjustable molds and enabling assembly with a force perpendicular to the joining direction, facilitated by a wedge-shaped second latching element and a ramped blocking face.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first latching element has an undercut in the direction perpendicular to the joining direction, then the latching connection can be configured with a blocking portion, but the mold must be composed of multiple movable parts or slides, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating an undercut in the first latching element to enable the blocking portion, the invention inverts the approach by making the second latching element on the main body have an undercut. This allows the blocking portion to be formed on the simpler first latching element without requiring complex mold structures, thus resolving the contradiction between latching reliability and mold complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a curved or angled bearing face on the second latching element that interacts with the blocking portion. This curved geometry enables the blocking portion to be formed without undercuts on the first latching element, allowing for a simpler single-part mold while maintaining the mechanical interlocking function
2Reliability
If the first latching element has an undercut, then the latching connection can be configured, but the assembly tool must have elements movable perpendicular to the joining direction, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the location of the undercut from the first latching element to the second latching element. This allows the assembly process to proceed with simple axial movement only, as the blocking portion is now formed on the stationary first latching element, eliminating the need for complex assembly tool elements that move perpendicular to the joining direction
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple movable mold parts or slides are used to produce the gearbox cover, then the first latching elements with undercuts can be demoulded, but the investment costs and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the undercut location to the second latching element on the main body, the first latching element on the gearbox cover can be produced with a simple single-part mold. This eliminates the need for multiple movable mold parts or slides, significantly reducing both investment costs and production costs while maintaining the ability to manufacture the latching elements
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
Simplifies the mold design, reduces production costs, and minimizes tool complexity while ensuring effective latching connections.
Implementation Method 1
the blocking portion by the bearing face is impinged with a force which in a direction running substantially perpendicular to the joining direction causes an elastic deformation of the tongue-type first latching element
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a wiper motor (10; 10a), having a gearbox housing (12) which preferably has a pot-shaped main body (16) for configuring a receptacle space (18) for a gearbox (20), wherein an opening (21) of the main body (16) is able to be closed by a gearbox cover (22; 22a), wherein a plurality of latching connections (26) that act in the direction of a joining direction (24) between the main body (16) and the gearbox cover (22; 22a) are configured between the main body (16) and the gearbox cover (22; 22a), said latching connections (26) having in each case an elastically deformable first latching element (28; 28a) on the gearbox cover (22; 22a) and a rigidly configured second latching element (30) that on the main body (16) interacts in a form-fitting manner with the first latching element (28; 28a).