Wiper Motor Gearbox Cover With Protected Spring Contact
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wiper motor gearbox covers with spring elements are prone to mechanical damage and deformation during transport and assembly, leading to potential functional issues and increased handling costs due to the need for protective receptacles.
Innovation Solution
A blocking element is integrated into the gearbox cover to maintain the spring element in a partially deformed position, reducing the overall height and risk of damage, and is connected via a force- and/or form-fitting connection, allowing for tool-free assembly and protection within a receptacle formed during injection molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spring element is arranged in a protected manner during transport using additional receptacles, then the spring element is protected from mechanical damage and deformation, but the device complexity and handling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective function with the existing gearbox cover structure by integrating a receptacle into the cover itself. This merging eliminates the need for separate protective receptacles while maintaining protection of the spring element during transport and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The gearbox cover is given multiple functions: it serves both as the structural cover of the gearbox and as a protective receptacle for the spring element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device structure.
2Ease of operation
If the spring element is kept in a relaxed state during transport, then the handling is simpler, but the spring element is more prone to deformation and mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-deforming the spring element into a compact configuration before transport and assembly. The blocking element holds the spring element in this pre-deformed state, reducing its height and making it more robust against mechanical damage during handling, while still allowing it to function properly when assembled.
3Length of stationary object
If the spring element is deformed to reduce its height, then the overall height of the gearbox cover is reduced and compactness is improved, but the spring element becomes more susceptible to damage without proper protection
Solution Approach 1:
The protective receptacle is integrated into the gearbox cover structure itself, combining the housing function with the protective function. This eliminates the need for separate protective elements while maintaining protection of the pre-deformed spring element.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle structure provides beforehand cushioning and protection for the pre-deformed spring element during transport and assembly, preventing mechanical damage while allowing the spring element to maintain its compact, space-saving configuration.
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 solution enhances the mechanical robustness of the wiper motor, reduces the risk of spring element damage, and simplifies handling and storage, ensuring reliable functionality while minimizing costs by eliminating the need for additional protective containers.
Implementation Method 1
a blocking element (54) is provided on the housing element (18; 22) or on the gearbox cover (22), which holds the spring element (35) in an elastically deformed position
Implementation Method 2
the spring element (35) in an elastically deformed position in which the deformation of the spring element (35) is less than in the working position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a wiper motor having a housing element connected to an electrical line that has an elastically deformable spring element in an end region projecting out of the housing element, wherein the spring element, in order to form an electrically conductive connection with a counterpart element on the housing element, is movable, with respect to a first, relaxed position of the spring element, into a second, elastically deformed position generating a contact force on the counterpart element.