Adjustable Width Snowplough Blade for Collision Risk Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowplough blades have limited adjustable width, leading to restricted operation on varying road widths, increased collision risk due to driver positioning, and reduced utility of lateral blades, especially when the second blade is extended.
Innovation Solution
A snowplough blade design featuring a tubular cross-beam with a hydraulic jack integrated along its length, allowing the first and second blade bodies to adjust width symmetrically, enabling a longer stroke between minimum and maximum snow-removing surfaces, and improving driver visibility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the second blade body is extended to maximum width, then the snow-removing surface is increased, but the driver's visibility is reduced and collision risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The snowplough blade employs a hydraulic cylinder to dynamically adjust the position of the second blade body between retracted and extended positions, allowing the width to be adapted based on road conditions and visibility requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between maximizing snow-removing surface and minimizing collision risk
2Stability of the object's composition
If the suspension and coupling structure is designed for the first blade body, then the blade is stable, but it limits the maximum width of the second blade body
Solution Approach 1:
The snowplough blade is segmented into a first blade body (stationary) and a second blade body (movable), where the first blade body maintains stability through the suspension and coupling structure, while the second blade body can be independently extended to increase width without compromising the stability of the overall assembly
3Productivity
If the second blade body is extended to maximum position, then the snow-removing capability is enhanced, but the lateral blade utility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinder enables dynamic adjustment of the second blade body position, allowing the system to switch between maximum snow-removing capability (when the second blade is extended) and optimal lateral blade utility (when the second blade is retracted), providing versatility across different operating conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adjustable width snowplough blade enhances operational flexibility on diverse road paths, reduces collision risks, and optimizes the use of lateral blades, while maintaining relatively low costs and maintaining symmetry for safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
by operation of hydraulic jack, interposed between the structure AS and the second blade body AL2
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 1C~2D
Figure 2E
AI summary
A snowplough blade with adjustable width, of the type including: a first, stationary blade body (L1), supported by a frame (S) for suspension and coupling to a respective machine (O); and a second blade body (L2), connected to the first blade body (L1) by mutual coupling means, sliding and moving with respect to the latter, operated by actuating means (A) between a retracted position (R) and an extreme advanced position (EA), in which the snow-removing surface of the snowplough blade (L) is maximum. The second blade body (L2) is situated in front of the first blade body (L1). The first blade body (L1) includes a tubular cross-beam (1), connected to the suspension and coupling frame (S) and housing the actuating means (A).