Wiper Mounting via Spring Strut Dome Vibration Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wiper system fastening methods in vehicles lead to unwanted noise due to vibration transmission from the wiper system to the vehicle's cross member, and existing solutions fail to effectively address space constraints and safety requirements, especially in pedestrian crash scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A fastening system where the wiper system is connected only to the spring strut dome, with a fastening element that is welded or securely attached to the dome, preventing vibration transmission to the cross member and utilizing an elastically deformable coupling element for easy detachment in crashes, thereby enhancing safety and noise reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the wiper system is fastened to a cross member of the vehicle body, then the wiper system can be securely mounted, but vibrations from the wiper system are transmitted to the cross member causing unwanted noise in the vehicle interior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mounting of wiper systemVSAvoidvibration transmission causing noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a spring strut dome as an intermediary mounting structure between the wiper system and the vehicle body. The fastening element connects the wiper system to the spring strut dome, which itself is connected to the cross member, thereby isolating the vibration path and preventing direct transmission of vibrations to the vehicle body structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is segmented into distinct components: the wiper system, the fastening element, the spring strut dome, and the cross member. This segmentation allows the spring strut dome to act as a vibration isolation zone, separating the vibration source from the vehicle body while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If additional fastening elements like spring strut braces are used to secure the wiper system, then the wiper system can be firmly attached, but the fastening complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirm attachment of wiper systemVSAvoidnumber of fastening components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fastening function with the existing spring strut dome structure. Instead of adding separate braces or mounting elements, the spring strut dome itself serves as the fastening structure, integrating the mounting function into an already-present component and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring strut dome serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the windshield, acts as a mounting structure for the wiper system, and functions as a vibration isolation element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated fastening components.

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

3Reliability

If the wiper system is relocated to a region not affected by deformation in pedestrian crash scenarios, then safety is improved, but space constraints often prevent such relocation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety in pedestrian crashVSAvoidavailable mounting space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The spring strut dome acts as an intermediary structure that allows the wiper system to be mounted in the deformation zone while maintaining safety. The dome's elastic properties enable it to deform during a crash, absorbing energy and protecting occupants, while still providing a secure mounting point for the wiper system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively dampens vibrations within the spring strut dome, reducing noise in the vehicle interior and improving safety by isolating the wiper system's vibrations and allowing for easy detachment during crashes, while maintaining a secure and accessible fastening mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

Due to its usually high mass, this is able to effectively dampen the vibrations of the wiper system and thus to avoid vibration-related noise development in the vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the fastening element is welded to a coupling section of the spring strut dome

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP2774819B1Device for fixing a windshield wiper assembly
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2774819B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2774819B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2774819B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The device has a fastening element (16) and a spring strut dome (5), where a wiper system (3) is fastened to a coupling section (6) of the spring strut dome by the fastening element. The fastening element is only connected with the spring strut dome and with the wiper system. The fastening element is welded to the coupling section of the spring strut dome. The spring strut dome has a central dome opening in the coupling section.