Windscreen Wiper Pretensioning Device for Curvature Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional windshield wiper devices struggle to maintain consistent contact with windshields of varying curvatures, leading to unwiped areas and smearing, especially under diverse climatic conditions and cost constraints.
Innovation Solution
A windshield wiper device with a pretensioning system featuring a force absorption element and a force transmission element, allowing for relative movement between an elongate upper and lower part, which are connected via spaced-out elements to adapt to curvature, ensuring uniform contact pressure and improved wiping quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the wiper arm pressure on the windshield is increased to prevent smearing, then wiping quality improves, but the device complexity and production costs increase due to the need for additional pressure adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade assembly automatically adjusts its own contact pressure with the windshield through the pretensioning device and articulated connecting elements, eliminating the need for external pressure adjustment mechanisms. The system self-regulates pressure based on windshield curvature and operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements between upper and lower parts are designed to be articulated rather than rigid, allowing dynamic adjustment of the wiper blade's contact pressure with the windshield. This enables the system to adapt to varying windshield curvatures and maintain optimal wiping pressure without complex control systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If the wiper blade is made rigid to maintain contact pressure, then wiping effectiveness improves, but the adaptability to windshield curvature decreases leading to unwiped areas
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade is divided into multiple segments (upper part, lower part, and connecting elements) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each part to adapt to local curvature variations while maintaining overall structural integrity and consistent contact pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements are designed with rotational joints that allow dynamic adjustment of the angle between upper and lower parts. This enables the wiper blade to conform to pronounced windshield curvatures while maintaining sufficient contact pressure for effective wiping.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional pressure adjustment mechanisms are added to optimize wiping under diverse conditions, then wiping quality improves, but production costs and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pretensioning device and articulated connecting elements work together to automatically optimize wiping pressure under various conditions without requiring external sensors, actuators, or control systems. This self-regulating mechanism significantly reduces production costs compared to electronically controlled pressure adjustment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes wiping performance by changing geometric parameters (angles and positions of connecting elements) rather than requiring active control mechanisms. This passive parameter adjustment approach maintains high wiping quality while minimizing manufacturing complexity and cost.
4Ease of manufacture
If the wiper blade structure is simplified to reduce costs, then production costs decrease, but the ability to adapt to pronounced windshield curvatures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper blade is segmented into upper and lower parts connected by articulated elements, providing curvature adaptation capability. This segmented design achieves adaptability using simple mechanical joints rather than complex active systems, maintaining cost-effectiveness while improving performance on curved windshields.
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 pretensioning device enables precise adaptation to windshield curvature, preventing unwiped regions and smearing, while maintaining a high wiping quality and cost-effectiveness by allowing for automatic adjustment without prior calibration.
Implementation Method 1
a force absorption element (32) which is connected to a force transmission element (33), and therefore, in the event of an action of force on the force absorption element (32) in the direction of the elongate lower part (12), a rotational movement of the force transmission element (33) is brought about
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a windscreen wiping device (100) for a vehicle, comprising a wiper blade (2) with an elongate upper part (10) and an elongate lower part (12), which are configured to be at least partially bendable. Furthermore, a plurality of connecting elements (18) for connecting the upper part (10) and the lower part (12) are provided, said connecting elements being spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal extent (8) of the windscreen wiping device and being designed to permit a movement of the upper part (10) and of the lower part relative to each other with a movement component along a longitudinal extent (8) of the windscreen wiping device. Furthermore, the windscreen wiping device has a pretensioning device (50), wherein the pretensioning device has a force-absorbing element (32) which is connected to a force transmission element (33) such that, in the event of a dynamic effect on the force-absorbing element (32) in the direction of the elongate lower part (12), a rotational movement of the force transmission element (33) is brought about, thus resulting in a movement of the elongate upper part (10) relative to the elongate lower part with a movement component along a longitudinal extent (8) of the windscreen wiping device.