Collapsible snow paddle and method of use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow removal tools for vehicles, such as fixed-length ice scrapers and shovels, are bulky, difficult to store, and inadequate for reaching snow in hard-to-access areas, especially on larger vehicles, and often require cumbersome techniques.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible snow paddle with a telescoping handle and integrated window scraper, allowing for adjustable length and compact storage, featuring a planar paddle surface and a flexible scraper edge for efficient snow and ice removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a fixed-length ice scraper with a long handle is used to reach the center area of large vehicle windows, then the ability to reach hard-to-access areas is improved, but the storage space required in the vehicle increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can be extended or retracted. When extended, the handle reaches long distances to clean large vehicle surfaces; when retracted, the sections collapse into a compact configuration that fits in small vehicle storage spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle transitions from a static fixed length to a dynamic adjustable length. The telescoping mechanism allows the user to extend the handle only when needed for reaching distant areas, and collapse it to a short length for storage, making the tool adaptable to different usage scenarios.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a snow brush with flexible bristles is used to prevent scratching vehicle surfaces, then the protection of vehicle surfaces is improved, but the ability to effectively remove deep or wet snow decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines a snow brush with a snow shovel into a single integrated tool. The brush component protects vehicle surfaces by using flexible bristles, while the shovel component provides the structural rigidity needed to effectively remove deep or wet snow. Both functions are available in one tool without compromising either surface protection or snow removal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The snow removal tool is designed to perform multiple functions: light snow brushing and heavy snow shoveling. The brush serves for surface-sensitive areas and light snow, while the shovel handles deep or wet snow accumulation, making the tool versatile for various snow conditions and vehicle surfaces.
3Productivity
If a conventional fixed-length snow shovel is used to remove deep or wet snow, then the snow removal capability is improved, but the storage space required in the vehicle increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The snow shovel handle is segmented into telescoping sections that can be extended when needed for snow removal and collapsed for storage. The paddle remains a substantial size for effective snow removal, while the collapsible handle reduces the overall volume when the tool is not in use, enabling it to fit in small vehicle storage spaces.
4Volume of moving object
If a collapsible snow shovel with a rigid paddle is used to reduce storage space, then the storage compactness is improved, but the ability to reach snow in hard-to-access areas such as roofs or truck beds decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle transitions from a collapsed short configuration for storage to an extended long configuration for use. When the user needs to reach snow on roofs or in truck beds, they extend the telescoping handle sections to achieve the necessary reach distance, then collapse it back for compact storage when done.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If a snow brush with flexible bristles is used to prevent surface damage, then the surface protection is improved, but the time required to remove snow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated snow brush and shovel allows the user to quickly assess snow conditions and switch between brushing and shoveling modes. For light snow, the brush provides gentle surface protection; for heavy snow, the shovel rapidly removes accumulation, reducing overall removal time while protecting surfaces when appropriate.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible snow paddle. The paddle includes an elongated handle, a rotatable coupling affixed to one end of the handle, and a generally planar snow remover, the rotatable coupling affixed to a rear surface of the remover so that the remover may be collapsed against the handle for storage and extended transverse to the handle for use. The snow remover may have a scraper edge inclined at an angle relative to the surface of the snow remover for scraping ice and a relatively soft capped edge for removing snow.