Wiper Arm Washer Nozzle Retaining Plate Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiper arm devices with washing water nozzles lack efficient and cost-effective designs for securely attaching and positioning the nozzles to ensure effective window cleaning, with existing solutions being complex and costly.

Innovation Solution

A wiper arm device with a washing water nozzle holding unit featuring a stamped and bent retaining plate element, caulked to the wiper rod, and a grooved fastening area, providing a secure and compact attachment mechanism for the nozzle, allowing efficient water application to the vehicle window.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a traditional washing water nozzle holding unit is used, then the nozzle can be attached to the wiper rod, but the production cost and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding unit is segmented into a retaining plate element with integrated fastening elements and a separate wiper rod, allowing independent manufacturing and assembly. The retaining plate element can be produced separately using stamping and bending processes, then attached to the wiper rod, simplifying both production and structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functions are merged into the retaining plate element: it provides nozzle retention, structural support, and integration with the wiper rod through integrated fastening mechanisms. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed, lowering production cost and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a secure attachment mechanism is used, then the nozzle is firmly fixed to the wiper rod, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining plate element is pre-formed with integrated fastening elements (such as clips or lugs) during the stamping and bending processes. This preliminary formation of attachment features eliminates the need for complex secondary operations or separate fastening components, achieving secure attachment with simple manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple retaining plate element is used, then production is cost-effective, but the secure fixation of the nozzle may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidnozzle fixation security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining plate element utilizes material property changes through cold-forming processes (stamping and bending) to create spring-like or elastic fastening elements. These elements can be formed from simple sheet metal through parameter changes in shape and elasticity, providing secure fixation without complex structures or additional materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3031677B1Wiper arm device
Publication Date: 2018.02.21 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3031677B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3031677B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3031677B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a wiper arm device with a wiper bar (10a - 10d) and with a washer nozzle holder (12a - 12d) which is provided for attaching at least one washer nozzle (14a - 14d) to the wiper bar (10a - 10d). It is proposed that the washer nozzle holder (12a - 12d) comprises at least one retaining plate element (16a - 16d).