Adjustable Snow Shovel Dynamics for Ergonomic Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional snow shovels require significant physical effort, leading to user fatigue and discomfort due to their fixed design and angle, which limits effective snow removal efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable snow shovel system featuring a three-way adjustable shovel frame, handlebar, and pivotally adjustable shovel assembly, allowing for angles between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to the ground surface, enhancing snow removal capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed design snow shovel is used, then the structure is simple, but user fatigue increases due to inability to adjust to optimal angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the shovel frame, handlebar, and shovel assembly adjustable rather than fixed. The frame can be positioned at various angles (0-90 degrees) relative to the ground, the handlebar can be adjusted to different heights and angles, and the shovel assembly can be pivoted to optimize the cutting edge angle. This dynamic adjustability allows users to adapt the shovel to different snow conditions and personal ergonomics, reducing fatigue while accepting increased structural complexity through multiple positioning mechanisms.
2Productivity
If a fixed angle shovel is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but snow removal efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the shovel to adapt its configuration dynamically. The adjustable frame angle (0-90 degrees), variable handlebar position, and pivoting shovel assembly allow the user to optimize the cutting edge angle and leverage mechanical advantage for different snow depths and types. This significantly improves snow removal efficiency by allowing the user to match the tool configuration to the specific task requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing modification of key geometric parameters including frame angle relative to ground, handlebar height and angle, and shovel assembly orientation. These parameter adjustments enable optimization of the mechanical advantage and cutting geometry for different snow removal scenarios, directly improving productivity while accepting the complexity of multiple adjustment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If an adjustable shovel frame is implemented, then user comfort improves, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static shovel structure into a dynamic system with multiple adjustment capabilities. The frame, handlebar, and shovel assembly can each be positioned independently, providing comprehensive ergonomic adjustment. This improves user comfort by allowing customization to individual body dimensions and preferences, while the complexity increase is managed through modular positioning mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable snow shovel system for facilitating effective removal of accumulated snow has a generally tubular, three-way adjustable shovel frame. The system has a generally tubular, adjustable handle bar horizontally located on the shovel frame. The handle bar is adjustable for facilitating effective removal of accumulated snow. The system has a pivotally adjustable shovel assembly having a first shovel member and a second shovel member. The shovel assembly is generally horizontally located on the shovel frame. The shovel assembly can be affixed into a position having the first shovel member and the second shovel member in-line with one another maximizing a shovel assembly width for facilitating effective removal of accumulated snow. The shovel assembly can be affixed into a position having the first shovel member and the second shovel member located at an angle with respect to one another for facilitating effective removal of accumulated snow.