Choosing the right replacement windscreen wiper blade can be a surprisingly challenging task for motorists. With a wide range of connector types and sizes available, it is easy to end up with a blade that doesn’t fit. Jack Whitfield, patent attorney in the Advanced Engineering Group at European intellectual property firm Withers & Rogers LLP, talks us through a new patented packaging solution that helps to address this challenge.
Traditionally, motorists have relied on coins or rulers to check connector sizes, but these methods aren’t always practical, especially in an increasingly cashless society. To help motorists to select the right product, Illinois Tool Works has developed an innovative packaging solution for wiper blades, which has recently been granted European patent protection - EP4420999B1. The concept is quite simple and straightforward: the packaging itself is designed to show consumers whether the blade inside is compatible with their vehicle, before they make a purchase.
How the solution works
The packaging consists of two main parts: an inner enclosure (200a) that holds the wiper blade, and an outer sleeve (200b), with a specially designed cutout (208). This cutout is shaped and sized to match the most common wiper arm connectors, such as J-hook or pin types. Motorists can simply hold their car’s wiper arm up to the cutout to check if it fits, with no need to open the box or use measuring tools.
The innovative packaging solution is shown in Figure 2a. The outer sleeve features the connector identification cutout, which can be pre-punched or perforated for durability. Some versions use a circular cutout with a diameter of about 19mm, which is suitable for certain connector types, whilst others use a printed outline for visual comparison. There are also several alternative options shown on a separate card inside the box.
The packaging is designed to be robust and easy to handle, with clear instructions and a hang tab (210), suitable for instore display. The hang tab is able to hold single or multiple wiper blades, using materials like cardboard and transparent plastic for durability and visibility.
Benefits for motorists and retailers
This packaging solution offers practical benefits for retailer and motorist alike. Motorists can quickly identify the right replacement wiper blade for their vehicle, making purchasing decisions quicker and easier. Retailers have fewer returns to handle. The solution also reduces the need for extra connectors and lengthy instructions, helping to cut down on materials and costs.
A simple but innovative solution
This simple but innovative solution to a common problem in the wiper blade market could have wide commercial appeal. By making it easier for consumers to select the right product for their vehicle, Illinois Tool Works can differentiate its own product offering, driving sales and increasing customer satisfaction. Having secured European patent protection, the company has an exclusive right to use its solution commercially for a period of 20 years.
The motivation for this packaging solution is clear: wiper blades are a product where compatibility issues frequently lead to returns and lost sales. By solving this problem at the packaging stage, Illinois Tool Works is hoping to streamline product selection and purchasing decisions, whilst reducing costs, and ensuing their products stand out in a crowded market.
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