Composite Snow Blade with Resilient Edge for Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow removal blade systems experience excessive wear due to constant metal-to-metal contact, leading to increased maintenance costs and inadequate accommodation of uneven road surfaces, with prior solutions failing to effectively address these issues.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable sweeping blade assembly featuring a blade portion made of composite or resilient materials with integrated bushings and ventilation holes, allowing for reduced vibration and improved absorption of uneven surfaces, and a removably attached design using nuts and bolts for easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metal blade systems are used for snow removal, then the blades can effectively remove snow and ice from road surfaces, but the constant metal-to-metal contact causes excessive wear and increased maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a metal blade with a resilient material layer (such as rubber or polymer) attached to the lower edge of the blade. This composite structure allows the metal portion to provide structural strength while the resilient material reduces wear through metal-to-resilient contact instead of metal-to-metal contact, thereby improving reliability and reducing maintenance costs
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient material acts as an intermediary between the metal blade and the road surface. Instead of direct metal-to-metal contact, the resilient material mediates the contact, absorbing vibrations and reducing wear on the blade system, which directly addresses the excessive wear problem while maintaining effective snow removal capability
2Strength
If rigid blade structures are used to maintain structural integrity, then the blades can withstand impact forces, but they cannot accommodate uneven road surfaces effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the blade have different properties: the upper portion remains rigid metal for structural integrity and impact resistance, while the lower edge incorporates resilient material that can flex and adapt to uneven road surfaces. This localized differentiation allows the blade to simultaneously maintain strength and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient material layer introduces dynamic characteristics to the blade system, allowing it to flex and adapt to varying road conditions while the metal structure maintains overall rigidity. This dynamic-resilient behavior enables the blade to accommodate uneven surfaces without compromising structural integrity
3Force
If metal-to-metal contact is used in the attachment system, then the blades can be securely mounted to the vehicle, but vibration causes increased wear and repair costs
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient material serves as an intermediary in the attachment system between the metal blade and the vehicle mounting points. It provides secure mechanical attachment while cushioning vibrations and reducing wear through its shock-absorbing properties, thereby maintaining attachment security while improving wear resistance
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 solution significantly reduces wear and tear on the blade system, minimizes vibration-induced fatigue, enhances road safety, and decreases the need for frequent replacements, while accommodating various road surfaces and reducing operational noise and chemical usage.
Implementation Method 1
a lower portion of the wearing edge is surrounded by a flexible absorber
Implementation Method 2
absorbing a portion of the movement of a lower portion of the wearing edge
Implementation Method 3
a layer of resilient material, such as a rubber composition material, is coated onto the blade
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present document describes a sweeping blade device comprising a blade portion comprising at least one bushing hole and a lower edge for sweeping a ground; a resilient material layer onto the blade portion; and a resilient material bushing in the bushing hole.