Wiper Packaging Device Offset Support Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing packaging devices for wiper blades are cumbersome to handle and manufacture due to flexible shells and mixed materials, leading to complexity and difficulty in assembly and recycling, while also resulting in a larger size due to partial straightening of the structural element.

Innovation Solution

A packaging assembly with offset support zones and a holding zone that maintains the wiper blade in an upright position using elastic support, minimizing size and improving handling by aligning connectors and using a sealed upper closure with a reinforcing element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the shell is made flexible to accommodate the wiper blade, then the wiper blade can be held in a compact position, but the handling and assembly of the shell becomes relatively difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging sizeVSAvoidhandling difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging device is divided into a rigid shell and a separate flexible holder. The rigid shell provides easy handling and structural support, while the flexible holder accommodates the wiper blade in a compact position. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning different functional roles to different components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible holder acts as an intermediary between the rigid shell and the wiper blade. This holder enables the wiper blade to be held in a compact position while the rigid shell maintains ease of handling. The intermediary component transfers the compacting function from the shell to the holder.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the shell is made rigid to facilitate handling, then the assembly and handling become easier, but the wiper blade cannot be held in a compact position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling easeVSAvoidpackaging size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple materials are used in the packaging device, then different functional requirements can be met, but the manufacture becomes complex and recycling difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Both the shell and the holder are made from the same thermoplastic material, simplifying manufacturing processes and enabling easy recycling. The homogeneity of materials resolves the contradiction by eliminating material complexity while maintaining functional versatility through design rather than material diversity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

4Reliability

If the wiper blade is partially straightened, then it can be held in the packaging, but the horizontal size of the assembly becomes relatively large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidhorizontal size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed with curved surfaces that conform to the wiper blade's shape, allowing the blade to be held in a compact, curved position rather than a straightened position. This curvature enables stable positioning while minimizing the horizontal space required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible holder can deform to accommodate the wiper blade in a compact position, allowing the blade to maintain its natural curved shape rather than being forced into a straightened position. This flexibility reduces the horizontal size of the assembly while maintaining positioning stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The solution simplifies handling and assembly, reduces the packaging device's size, and enhances recyclability by using a more uniform material structure and efficient design, while maintaining the wiper blade in a stable upright position.

Implementation Method 1

at least one holding zone arranged between the first and the second zone d support, on which at least a third portion associated with the structural element of the brush is in elastic support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic support: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2340220B1Packaging device and assembly including a wiper and a wiper packaging device

Publication Date: 2014.09.17 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS

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AI summary

The invention relates to a packaging device for receiving at least one wiper (12) having a wiping blade (18), and at least one longitudinal main direction structural member (14), which is elastically deformable and curved along a middle longitudinal plane of the wiper (12). The packaging device (10) includes at least one shell (24) defining a longitudinal main direction housing (26) open at the top, in which said at least one wiper (12) is received in a stored position, such that the structural member (14) of the wiper (12) is elastically deformed along the middle longitudinal plane and thus at least partially straightened. According to the invention, when the wiper is in the stored position in said packaging device, the middle longitudinal plane (PLM) of the wiper (12) defines, together with a vertical longitudinal plane orthogonal (PLVO) to the open surface of the housing (26), an acute angle different from zero and different from 90°.