Compound-Mount Snow Plow for Narrow Driveways and Walkways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large snow plows are not readily adaptable for use in narrow driveways and walkways, and existing solutions lack effective means for snow removal and ice melting in such confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A snow plow and mounting structure designed for small tractors with a compound blade mount and hydraulic cylinders for adjustable positioning, combined with a spreader for snow-melting materials and a liquid spray system, allowing for efficient snow removal and ice melting in narrow areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large snow plows are used, then snow removal capability is improved, but adaptability to narrow driveways and walkways deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The snow plow blade is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned and angled. This segmentation allows the blade to be configured for narrow driveways and walkways while maintaining effective snow removal capability, resolving the contradiction between size and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade mounting structure incorporates hydraulic cylinders and pivot points that enable dynamic adjustment of the blade position and angle. This dynamic capability allows the same plow to adapt to various widths and configurations, making it versatile for both large open areas and narrow confined spaces.
2Device complexity
If a simple blade mounting structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but blade positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Hydraulic cylinders are employed to control the blade's vertical positioning, tilt angle, and lateral movement. This hydraulic system provides precise control of blade position without requiring overly complex mechanical linkages, achieving positioning precision while managing device complexity through fluid power actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure allows independent adjustment of multiple blade parameters including vertical height, tilt angle, and lateral position. By enabling separate adjustment of these parameters through hydraulic actuators and pivot mechanisms, the system achieves precise blade positioning for different operating conditions.
3Productivity
If snow melting materials are applied, then ice melting effectiveness is improved, but material distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple material distribution mechanisms including a spreader for granular materials like salt and a liquid spray system for deicing chemicals. This multi-functional approach ensures uniform distribution of different types of snow melting materials across the treatment area, improving both effectiveness and uniformity.
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
Enables efficient snow plowing and ice melting in narrow spaces using a small tractor, providing adjustable blade positioning and material distribution for effective snow management.
Implementation Method 1
A first spring is connected to the blade mount and the vehicle and normally biases the blade to an upward transport position apart from the supporting surface but yieldable to allow the blade to move to a down position against the supporting surface and to further move to a float position
Implementation Method 2
A yaw hydraulic cylinder is connected to the distal end portion and the proximal end portion to pivot the distal end portion relative to the proximal end portion separately moving the blade at an angle relative to the first side of the vehicle frame to push the snow toward the first side of the vehicle frame and moving the blade at an angle relative to the second side of the vehicle frame to push the snow toward the second side of the vehicle frame
Implementation Method 3
A pitch hydraulic cylinder is connected to the proximal end portion and the vehicle frame to separately move the blade vertically positioning the blade in the down position, the transport position, and the float position
Data Source
AI summary
A snow plow is pivotally mounted to a tractor by a compound mount allowing for multiple blade positions. The mount has an inner portion pivotally mounted about a first horizontal axis to the front of the tractor and an outer portion pivotally mounted about a vertical axis to the inner portion. The plow blade is pivotally mounted about a second horizontal axis to the outer portion. Deicer nozzles spray liquid and a spreader distributes salt and other materials in front of the front wheels of the tractor.