Concealed Push-Bumper Debris Clearing for In-Vehicle Roadway Response
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional debris clearing systems for roadways require multiple vehicles and expose first responders to hazards when clearing debris, as they need to exit their vehicles to perform debris removal tasks, increasing response time and risk of harm.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mounted debris clearing system that deploys a debris clearing device from within the vehicle, concealed behind the front bumper, allowing first responders to remain inside while operating. The system includes a blade assembly with angled and serrated edges for effective debris collection and push-off, and cameras for visual guidance and verification of debris clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vehicles are used to clear different types of debris, then the capability to handle various debris is improved, but the response time and number of vehicles required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple debris clearing functions into a single vehicle-mounted device. The push bumper can push larger debris while the sweeping device attached to it can sweep smaller debris, allowing one vehicle to perform functions that previously required multiple specialized vehicles, thereby reducing response time while maintaining comprehensive debris clearing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the push bumper function with the sweeping device function into a single integrated system. The sweeping device is mounted on the push bumper, creating a combined structure that can handle both large and small debris in one operation, eliminating the need to deploy separate vehicles for different debris types
2Productivity
If first responders exit vehicles to clear debris, then the effectiveness of debris removal is improved, but the safety of first responders deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the vehicle itself to perform the debris clearing function without requiring first responders to exit and manually clear debris. The push bumper and sweeping device are activated by the vehicle's movement and operator control, allowing the vehicle to serve its own debris clearing needs while keeping operators protected inside the cabin
Solution Approach 2:
The push bumper and sweeping device act as intermediaries between the first responders inside the vehicle and the debris on the roadway. Instead of responders directly contacting hazardous debris, they control the vehicle-mounted devices which physically interact with the debris, providing a protective barrier while maintaining operational effectiveness
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a debris clearing device is concealed behind the bumper, then the aesthetic appearance and vehicle safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sweeping device is nested on top of the push bumper structure, utilizing the existing bumper framework as a mounting base. This nesting approach allows the sweeping mechanism to be concealed behind the bumper when not in use while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that leverages the vehicle's existing components
Solution Approach 2:
The push bumper serves dual functions: it acts as a standard vehicle safety component for pushing objects and simultaneously serves as the mounting structure and operational component for the sweeping device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate structures, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving concealment and safety goals
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to a roadway debris clearing system that can be concealed within, or behind, a standard push bumper of a safety patrol vehicle. The roadway debris clearing system may include a debris clearing device that is disposed between the vehicle motor and the front bumper. The debris clearing device can be deployed from a retracted position to an extended position where the device is capable of pushing debris from a roadway. The debris clearing device, when in the retracted position, may be concealed behind the front bumper of the vehicle. The roadway debris clearing system includes a camera system to observe an area in front of the vehicle as well as under the front bumper while clearing debris using the debris clearing device.