Integrated Wiper Blade Water Channel for Hose-Free Washer Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing windshield wiper blade devices with integrated spray units face challenges in efficient water distribution and assembly, often requiring multiple components and complex connections, which increase production and assembly costs while compromising on cleaning effectiveness and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A wiper blade device design featuring a hose-free washing water channel integrated with the adapter unit, allowing for a fluid-tight coupling system with a spray unit, and a flexible washing water line for rotational flexibility, simplifies assembly and enhances cleaning performance by ensuring uniform water distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components and complex connections are used for water distribution, then assembly flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter unit integrates multiple functions into a single component: it couples the wiper blade to the wiper arm, incorporates washer water channels for fluid distribution, and provides mounting structures. This merging eliminates the need for separate hose assemblies and multiple connection components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining assembly flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter unit serves multiple purposes simultaneously: mechanical coupling between wiper blade and arm, fluid distribution through integrated channels, and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining the adaptability required for various assembly configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components and complex connections are used for water distribution, then adaptability is improved, but production and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the adapter unit with integrated water channels into a single manufacturable component, the invention reduces the number of parts that need to be produced, stored, and assembled. This merging simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces production costs while maintaining the adaptability of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter unit is designed as a modular component that can be manufactured separately and then assembled to the wiper blade assembly. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing of the complex adapter unit while keeping the overall production process efficient and cost-effective.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hose-based water channels are used, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates rigid water channels directly into the adapter unit structure, eliminating the need for separate hose components. This merging reduces assembly effort by removing hose installation steps while maintaining water distribution flexibility through the integrated channel design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wiper blade device, in particular a windshield wiper blade device, comprising at least one wiper blade (10a; 10b); at least one adapter unit (12a; 12b) for coupling the wiper blade (10a; 10b) to a wiper arm (14a; 14b) of a wiper (16a; 16b), in particular a windshield wiper; at least one spraying unit (18a; 18b) integrated into the wiper blade (10a; 10b); and at least one washing water distributor unit (20a; 20b; 20b') for supplying washing water to the spraying unit (18a; 18b), in particular to nozzle elements (22a; 22b) of the spraying unit (18a; 18b) which are arranged along the wiper blade (10a; 10b) at least substantially parallel to a main extension direction (54a; 54b) of the wiper blade (10a; 10b), wherein the washing water distributor unit (20a; 20b; 20b') has at least one channel coupling element (24a; 24b; 24b') for coupling at least one part of the washing water distributor unit (20a; 20b; 20b') to a washing water channel (26a; 26b; 26b') of the spraying unit (18a; 18b), said coupling being provided in particular for conducting a fluid and being preferably fluid-tight, and the washing water distributor unit (20a; 20b; 20b') has at least one adapter coupling element (28a; 28b) for coupling at least one additional part of the washing water distributor unit (20a; 20b; 20b') to an additional washing water channel (30a; 30b) of the adapter unit (12a; 12b), said coupling being provided in particular for conducting a fluid and being preferably fluid-tight. According to the invention, the additional washing water channel (30a; 30b) is formed at least in part by the adapter unit (12a; 12b).