Streamlined Windscreen Wiper Retention Structure Against Disarticulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing streamlined windscreen wipers face issues with disarticulation under heavy loads due to additional tolerance and reduced rigidity introduced by adapter elements, which can lead to disassembly during extreme conditions like automatic car washes or ice/snow loads.
Innovation Solution
A streamlined windscreen wiper design featuring a central mounting with an adapter element and retention means, including a rib element and optional locating pin, to enhance the connection between the adapter and central mounting, providing resistance to lateral and torsional forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an adapter element is used to articulate the end cap to the central mounting, then the windscreen wiper is easier to manufacture and assemble, but the additional tolerance and reduced rigidity can cause disarticulation under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adapter element with the central mounting by forming the adapter as an integral part of the central mounting structure. This eliminates the separate adapter component and its associated tolerances, while maintaining the articulation function through a pivot hole and pivot pin arrangement that allows end cap rotation during wiping operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the end caps are articulated to the central mounting to permit free rotation, then the wiper blade can follow the curvature of the windscreen, but the articulation may lack sufficient rigidity in non-rotation directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different structural characteristics in different regions of the central mounting. The adapter element region provides rotational freedom for adaptability, while the reinforced connection regions (with ribs and engagement features) provide enhanced strength and rigidity in non-rotation directions to prevent disarticulation under heavy loads.
3Device complexity
If a simple adapter element is used for articulation, then the construction is simplified and cost-effective, but the adapter element deflects and twists under various forces during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-reinforcing the adapter element structure with ribs and engagement features before the wiper encounters heavy loads. The rib extending from the adapter element and the corresponding engagement feature on the central mounting are built-in structural elements that prevent deflection and twisting under operational forces, maintaining stability without requiring complex additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
A streamlined windscreen wiper comprises a longitudinal streamlined fairing comprising a central mounting and at least one end cap, at least one adapter element fixed to the central mounting and comprising a central web and two legs extending substantially perpendicularly from opposing edges of said central web, one of said at least one end caps being articulated to said adapter element, and a retention means comprising at least one rib extending from a lower surface of the central mounting and oriented substantially perpendicularly to the central web of the adapter element, and a window provided in the central web of the adapter element, the window being engaged by the at least one rib.