Windshield Wiper Nozzle Cover and Adapter Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiper devices lack a stable and efficient mechanism for coupling and fixing the nozzle unit, which hinders assembly and replacement of wiper blades, and do not provide adequate protection and aesthetics for the nozzle unit.

Innovation Solution

A wiper device with a nozzle unit featuring a cover element that covers the coupling elements, a wiper arm adapter with a guide element, and a fluid guide unit designed for detachable connection, allowing for stable coupling and independent assembly or replacement of wiper blades, while enhancing aerodynamics and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the nozzle unit is exposed without a cover element, then the coupling elements are accessible for assembly, but the nozzle unit lacks protection and aesthetic coverage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of nozzle unitVSAvoidstructure of nozzle unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover element is integrated with the wiper arm adapter to form a single component, merging the protective cover function with the mounting adapter structure. This eliminates the need for separate cover and adapter parts, reducing assembly steps while providing complete coverage of the nozzle unit's coupling elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the nozzle unit uses multiple coupling elements for stable fixation, then the coupling stability is improved, but the assembly and replacement of wiper blades becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling stability of nozzle unitVSAvoidassembly and replacement of wiper blade
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is divided into two distinct coupling elements: a first coupling element that connects the nozzle unit to the wiper arm adapter, and a second coupling element that connects the wiper blade to the nozzle unit. This segmentation allows the wiper blade to be replaced independently without disturbing the nozzle unit's connection to the wiper arm, simplifying maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If the cover element covers the first coupling element in the assembled state, then the aerodynamics and aesthetics are improved, but the accessibility for assembly is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamics and aesthetics of wiper deviceVSAvoidassembly accessibility of coupling elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover element is designed to be dynamically positioned: during the assembly process, the coupling elements are accessible and uncovered to allow connection; once assembled, the cover element moves into a closed position that covers the coupling elements, providing aerodynamic benefits and aesthetic appearance. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between accessibility and aerodynamics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If the wiper arm adapter and cover element form a single component, then the manufacturing efficiency is improved, but the flexibility of assembly is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiency of wiper deviceVSAvoidassembly flexibility of wiper device
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated wiper arm adapter and cover element component is designed with universal functionality: it provides both the mounting adapter function and the protective cover function simultaneously. The design incorporates standardized coupling interfaces that can accommodate different nozzle unit configurations, maintaining assembly flexibility despite the reduced part count.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3392098B1Wiper device
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3392098B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3392098B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3392098B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a wiper device, in particular a windshield wiper device, with a nozzle unit (70). It is proposed that the wiper device has at least one cover element (60) which is designed to at least partially cover the nozzle unit (70) in at least one covering direction (22) when it is mounted.