Vehicle Wiper Connection Device with Reversible Intermediate Piece

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiper systems for motor vehicles have complex, fragile, and multi-part connection devices that are not suitable for easy installation on vehicles with either right-hand or left-hand drive configurations, limiting their adaptability and driver visibility.

Innovation Solution

A simplified, compact connection device with a holding part and an intermediate part, featuring a channel system and interlocking mechanisms that allow for flexible positioning and easy assembly on both right-hand and left-hand drive vehicles, ensuring optimized driver visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex multi-part connection device is used, then the connection between operating arm and wiper blade is secure, but the device becomes fragile and difficult to assemble on different vehicle configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate connection components into a single integrated connection device. The device includes an operating arm, wiper blade, and connection mechanism all merged into one unit that can be installed as a single assembly, eliminating the need for multiple separate parts and reducing overall complexity while maintaining secure connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device is designed with universal adaptability to fit different vehicle configurations (right-hand drive and left-hand drive). The single integrated design incorporates adjustable features that allow it to function reliably across multiple vehicle types without requiring different specialized components for each configuration.

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

2Ease of operation

If a standardized connection device is used, then ease of assembly on different vehicles is improved, but adaptability to specific vehicle configurations may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidvehicle configuration adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device incorporates dynamic adjustable features that allow it to adapt its configuration during installation. The device can be positioned and adjusted to suit different vehicle layouts (right-hand or left-hand drive) while maintaining the same standardized assembly process, combining ease of installation with configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If multiple parts are used in the connection device, then functional requirements are met, but production, referencing, and storage costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional requirementsVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated connection device that can be manufactured as one unit. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts that need to be produced, stored, and referenced, while still meeting all necessary functional requirements for connecting the operating arm to the wiper blade.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3159224B1Connecting device interposed between an operating arm and a wiper for a vehicle glazed surface
Publication Date: 2019.01.23 VALEO SYST DESSUYAGE SAS
  • EP3159224B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3159224B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3159224B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a connection device 2 intended to be interposed between a control arm 4 and a wiper blade 1 of a glazed surface of a vehicle, comprising a retaining piece 18 integral with the wiper blade 1 and an intermediate piece 102 adapted to be attached to a connection portion 9 of the control arm 4, in which the retaining piece 18 extends into a first zone and a second zone delimited by a transverse plane of the retaining piece, the intermediate piece 102 comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being provided with a channel 109 adapted to receive a finger which is part of the connection portion 9, characterized in that the connection device 2 comprises at least one means of fixing the intermediate piece 102 to the retaining piece 18 configured to dispose of the channel 109 either in the first zone or in the second zone.