Wiping Device Undercut Spoiler Retaining Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiping devices for motor vehicle panes lack a secure and reliable connection between the spoiler unit and the retaining element, which affects the operational reliability and design efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating undercuts with a C-shaped cross section in the retaining element to positively connect the spoiler unit, allowing for a larger surface area force transmission and a compact design, and using two spoiler components of different hardness to enhance strength and reduce weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the spoiler unit is connected to the retaining element without undercuts, then the connection is simpler, but the coupling security and operational reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling securityVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure is segmented into the retaining element with longitudinal guide channel and the spoiler unit with undercuts. The undercuts create distinct engagement zones that segment the force transmission paths, allowing independent optimization of each component while achieving secure coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spoiler unit is nested within the retaining element structure, with the undercuts forming recesses that receive and secure the spoiler unit. This nesting arrangement allows the spoiler unit to be integrated into the retaining element while maintaining the ability to transmit forces over a large surface area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If the spoiler unit uses a single homogeneous material, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the strength-to-weight ratio is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength-to-weight ratioVSAvoidmaterial composition
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The spoiler unit is constructed with spoiler components of different hardness values in different regions. This local quality variation allows harder materials to be used in high-stress areas for enhanced strength, while softer or lighter materials are used in less critical areas to reduce weight, optimizing the overall strength-to-weight ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The spoiler unit employs composite construction with multiple materials of different hardness values. This composite approach combines the advantages of different materials - harder materials provide structural strength and wear resistance, while softer or lighter materials reduce weight and improve flexibility where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If the wiping device uses a bulky connection structure, then the coupling security is improved, but the design flatness and compactness are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoiddesign flatness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The undercuts are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the retaining element, extending parallel to the wiping direction. This dimensional arrangement allows the connection structure to achieve secure coupling through longitudinal engagement rather than requiring increased width or height, thereby maintaining design flatness while ensuring operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Shape

If the undercuts are arranged outside the retaining element, then the assembly is easier, but the design compactness and flatness are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompactnessVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The undercuts are nested within the retaining element structure, forming recesses that are integrated into the body of the retaining element. This nesting arrangement achieves a compact and flat design by incorporating the connection features within the existing structure rather than adding external protrusions, while the undercuts still provide adequate clearance for assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9616853B2Wiping device, in particular wiping device for a motor vehicle pane
Publication Date: 2017.04.11 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US9616853B2 patent drawing
  • US9616853B2 patent drawing
  • US9616853B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a wiping device, in particular a wiping device for a motor vehicle pane, comprising a retaining unit (10a-10e) that has a retaining element (12a-12e) with a longitudinal guide channel (14a-14e) for guiding a spring element (16a-16e), and comprising a spoiler unit (22a-22e). According to the invention, the wiping device has at least one undercut (18a-18e, 20a-20e) that is provided in order to interlockingly connect the spoiler unit (22a-22e) to the retaining element (12a-12e) in a wiping direction (24a-24e).