Adjustable Snow Plow Deflector with Interlocking Modular Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional snow plow deflectors for straight blade snow plows are limited in size, requiring multiple versions for different blade widths, and often add weight and complexity, affecting performance and fuel efficiency, while lacking durability and requiring maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A snow plow deflector with a modular design comprising three interlocking components, constructed from High Molecular Weight Polyethylene with steel reinforcement, allowing adjustable fit on various blade widths without additional weight or cumbersome mounting equipment, ensuring durability and low maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional single-size deflectors are used, then the deflector can be manufactured simply, but it cannot accommodate different blade widths and requires multiple versions
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is designed with an adjustable width mechanism that allows a single deflector model to accommodate multiple blade widths. The deflector includes adjustable side panels or telescoping sections that can be configured to match different blade sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized deflector versions while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector incorporates movable or adjustable components that allow the width to be dynamically changed based on the blade size. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same deflector to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring multiple static designs.
2Ease of operation
If conventional mounting equipment is used, then the deflector can be installed, but it adds weight and stress to the hydraulic system
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting equipment is integrated directly into the deflector structure rather than being separate components. The deflector utilizes the blade's existing mounting points and structure, combining the deflector body with its mounting mechanism to eliminate additional weight from separate mounting frames and hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector mounting system replicates the existing blade mounting interface, using the same holes and attachment points that are already part of the blade design. This approach allows the deflector to be mounted without requiring additional heavy-duty mounting equipment, thereby avoiding extra weight and stress on the hydraulic system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional deflectors are used, then they can provide snow deflection, but they lack durability with heavy and wet snow
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is constructed from composite materials that combine the strength and durability needed to withstand heavy and wet snow with the lightweight properties needed to avoid excessive weight. This may include using high-strength polymers, reinforced plastics, or hybrid material constructions that provide both durability and weight efficiency.
4Reliability
If conventional deflectors are used, then they can direct snow away, but they require significant additional weight to withstand heavy snow
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector utilizes composite materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling the structure to withstand heavy snow loads without requiring excessive weight. The composite construction maintains structural integrity while keeping the overall weight minimal.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector incorporates curved or aerodynamic surfaces that help distribute snow loads more evenly across the structure. The curved geometry reduces stress concentration points and allows the deflector to withstand heavy snow forces with less material, thereby maintaining strength while minimizing weight.
Data Source
AI summary
A snow plow deflector for a straight snow plow blade is provided including a center section having a plurality of spaced-apart recesses formed therein, and two outer sections, each also having a plurality of spaced-apart recesses formed therein, wherein each of the outer sections are positioned to align with opposite side edges of the snow plow blade, respectively, with the center section secured thereover such that the recesses of the center section interfit and seat within the recesses of the outer portions and secure thereto. The plurality of recesses provided along the width of each deflector section permits the overall width of the deflector to be adjusted to fit a variety of snow plow blade widths.