Windscreen Wiper Snapping Connection Eliminates Tooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing windscreen wiper devices require additional tools and an extra manufacturing step due to the need for precisely shaped recesses for clamping members, which complicates the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A windscreen wiper device with a snapping connection between the connecting device and the wiper blade, utilizing protrusions and holes for interconnection, eliminating the need for additional tools and ensuring durable attachment without significant reduction in mechanical resistance, and incorporating a mechanical articulation to prevent deformation during oscillatory movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clamping members are used to attach the connecting device to the longitudinal strips, then a durable connection is achieved, but additional tools and an extra manufacturing step are required to create precisely shaped recesses
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic recess feature from the longitudinal strip and replaces it with a simple hole. The clamping member is modified to include a protrusion that engages with this hole, eliminating the need for complex recesses while maintaining connection durability. This simplifies manufacturing by removing the extra cutting step and tool requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the connection feature from a precisely shaped recess to a simple hole with specific dimensional parameters (diameter, position). This parameter change maintains the functional requirement for durable connection while dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process, as holes can be created with standard drilling or punching operations rather than complex recess cutting.
2Manufacturing precision
If a recess is cut in the longitudinal strip for the clamping member, then the connecting device can be locked in place, but additional tools and manufacturing steps are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex recess feature and replaces it with a simple hole in the longitudinal strip. The precision requirement is maintained through the hole's dimensional specifications, but the manufacturing process is simplified from complex recess cutting to standard hole creation operations, thereby improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of cutting a recess into the strip to receive the clamping member, the invention inverts the approach by providing a protrusion on the clamping member that engages with a simple hole in the strip. This inversion maintains the locking function while dramatically simplifying manufacturing.
3Device complexity
If the wiper blade is rigidly fixed to the holding part, then assembly is simple, but permanent deformation occurs during oscillatory movements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a dynamic element (the resilient tongue) that allows controlled movement and deformation. The tongue can deflect to accommodate oscillatory movements of the wiper blade, preventing permanent deformation, while still maintaining a secure connection. This dynamic capability is integrated into an otherwise simple assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient tongue acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and accommodates the stresses from oscillatory movements before they can cause permanent deformation of the wiper blade. The tongue's elasticity provides beforehand protection against damage during normal operation.
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 allows for a durable and efficient assembly process without extra tooling, maintaining mechanical resistance and preventing permanent deformation of the wiper blade during use.
Implementation Method 1
the wiper blade is biassed by the carrier element, as a result of which it exhibits a specific curvature
Implementation Method 2
the connecting device and the strip are provided with mutually cooperating protrusion/hole means for interconnecting the connecting device and the strip through a snapping connection
Implementation Method 3
the side arms of the holding part pivotally engage the wiping part from the outside in a lateral region thereof, so that a mechanical articulation is realized between the holding part and the wiping part
Data Source
AI summary
A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade, which includes at least one longitudinal groove, in which groove a longitudinal strip of the carrier element is disposed and comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, the wiper blade comprises an elongated upper holding part and an elongated lower wiping part of a flexible material, wherein the holding part comprises downwardly extending side arms, seen in cross-section, for holding the wiper part from the outside in a lateral region thereof, wherein the at least one longitudinal groove having a open circumference is provided on the holding part at an upper side thereof facing away from the wiping part, and wherein the connecting device and the strip are provided with mutually cooperating protrusion/hole means for interconnecting the connecting device and the strip through a snapping connection.