Windshield Wiper Accessory Assembly With Sliding Snap-Fit Cover

Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly process of windshield wiper components is cumbersome and time-consuming, leading to increased costs and potential deformation of metal springs or accessory seats during riveting, resulting in poor appearance and dimensions.

Innovation Solution

An accessory assembly structure featuring a sliding cover with blocking ribs and stopping blocks, a driving arm with sockets, and an accessory piece with latching blocks and slots, allowing for a secure and simplified assembly by engaging the sliding cover with the accessory piece through latching slots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If riveting process is used to assemble accessory seat and metal springs, then connection strength is improved, but assembly time increases and deformation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional riveting mechanical connection system with a snap-fit elastic blocking system. The elastic block deforms elastically to pass through the through hole and engages with the positioning groove, creating a secure connection without riveting. This substitution eliminates the need for riveting tools and reduces assembly time while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes elastic deformation parameter changes of the blocking block. The blocking block is designed with elastic properties that allow it to deform during insertion and then recover to lock in place. This parameter change enables a quick, tool-free assembly process that replaces time-consuming riveting while preventing deformation of metal springs through controlled elastic engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If riveting process is used to assemble accessory seat and metal springs, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex riveting process with a simple elastic snap-fit mechanism. The elastic block with positioning groove design provides automatic alignment and locking without requiring riveting tools, fixtures, or multiple assembly steps. This simplifies the device structure and assembly process while maintaining strong connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If riveting process is used to assemble accessory seat and metal springs, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses elastic parameter changes of the blocking block to achieve connection without permanent deformation. The blocking block temporarily deforms during insertion and then recovers to its original shape, locking into position without affecting the appearance or dimensions of the accessory seat or metal springs. This preserves manufacturing precision while providing strong connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the deformation-prone riveting process with an elastic engagement system. The elastic block engages with the positioning groove through controlled elastic deformation, avoiding the permanent deformation and appearance damage caused by riveting. This maintains the original dimensions and appearance quality of all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4663489A1Accessory assembly structure of windshield wiper
Publication Date: 2025.12.17
  • EP4663489A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4663489A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4663489A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An accessory assembly structure (1) includes a sliding cover (10), a driving arm (20) and an accessory piece (30). The sliding cover (10) includes a shell (11). The shell (11) includes a receiving slot (12), a plurality of blocking ribs (13) and a pair of stopping blocks (14). The driving arm (20) includes an arm body (21) and a cover (22). The cover (22) includes a plurality of sockets (23). The cover (22) is inserted in the receiving slot (12) to move relative to the sliding cover (10). The accessory piece (30) is mounted in the cover (22) and includes a plurality of latching blocks (31) and a pair of latching slots (32). Each latching block (31) includes an inclined top (311) and is positioned on the socket (23) along the inclined top (311).