ATV-Mounted Spreader Gate Control for Adjustable Material Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material spreaders for vehicles lack efficient control over the flow rate and distribution of materials, and are not optimally designed for user-operated All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) or Utility-Terrain Vehicles (UTVs).
Innovation Solution
A material spreader for ATVs/UTVs featuring a mount, a spreader assembly with a hopper and thrower, a flow rate assembly, and a control system with a power source, motor, and user interface, allowing for adjustable flow rates and distribution control through a gate passage structure and moveable gate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a material spreader is designed for vehicle mounting, then it can be used on ATVs/UTVs for material spreading, but it lacks efficient control over flow rate and material distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is made moveable with respect to the gate passage structure, allowing dynamic adjustment of the gate's position to control material flow rate. The flow adjustor is also moveable to change the degree of openness of the gate passage structure, enabling real-time optimization of material distribution without requiring complex automated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls material flow by changing physical parameters - specifically the position of the gate and the degree of openness of the gate passage structure. By adjusting these geometric parameters, the flow rate of material from the hopper to the thrower is precisely controlled, achieving efficient operation with relatively simple mechanical components
2Manufacturing precision
If the gate passage structure is made adjustable, then flow rate control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control function is segmented into two independent components: the gate for on/off and flow rate control, and the flow adjustor for modifying the gate passage structure's openness. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity. The modular design enables precise flow control without requiring a completely complex redesigned assembly
3Productivity
If the spreader assembly includes complete control systems, then operational effectiveness is enhanced, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to be operated directly by the vehicle operator through intuitive manual control of the gate and flow adjustor. The system serves itself by allowing the operator to directly control material flow and distribution based on real-time conditions, eliminating the need for complex automated sensors, controllers, or actuators while maintaining high operational effectiveness
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle mounted spreader and components thereof. The material spreader includes a mount and a spreader assembly. The mount is mountable to a vehicle such as an ATV, UTV, truck, and/or the like. The spreader assembly is mountable to the mount thereon. A user may change the speed at which material is dispersed from the spreader assembly.