Demining Plow Sub-Blade Friction Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current demining plows face significant frictional forces due to soil accumulation, leading to increased energy requirements and premature wear or breakage of scarifying teeth, limiting their effectiveness and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A demining device with a sub-blade positioned under the main blade, featuring recovery teeth between scarification teeth, adjustable to reduce friction and equipped with a central stem and half-stems for reduced friction forces, and a mechanism for detecting and releasing scarifying teeth when encountering obstacles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a traditional demining plow is used with scarifying teeth and a blade, then mine clearance function is achieved, but soil accumulates at the blade level generating significant frictional forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemine clearance efficiencyVSAvoidfrictional forces
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The blade is divided into two functional parts: the main evacuation blade and a sub-blade positioned underneath. This segmentation allows the sub-blade to specifically address soil accumulation at the critical blade level, while the main blade continues its evacuation function, thereby reducing overall frictional resistance without compromising mine clearance effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sub-blade acts as an intermediary element between the ground and the main blade. By positioning recovery teeth on the sub-blade at the blade level, it prevents soil from accumulating against the main blade, thus mediating the interaction between the plow and soil to reduce frictional forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If significant frictional forces are present, then mine clearance is maintained, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemine clearance capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the blade structure into main blade and sub-blade components, the system reduces frictional forces through the sub-blade's soil management function, directly lowering the energy required to move the plow while maintaining mine clearance productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful effect of soil accumulation (which causes friction) into a beneficial outcome by using the sub-blade to deliberately manage soil flow. The sub-blade allows soil to pass underneath rather than accumulate, transforming the friction problem into an energy-efficient solution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If scarifying teeth are used for ground penetration, then mine extraction is achieved, but premature wear or breakage occurs due to friction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemine extraction capabilityVSAvoidtooth service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sub-blade with recovery teeth serves as an intermediary that manages soil flow at the blade level, preventing soil from being forced against the scarifying teeth. This reduces frictional wear on the teeth, extending their service life while maintaining mine extraction capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sub-blade provides beforehand cushioning by preventing soil accumulation before it can contact the scarifying teeth. This proactive soil management reduces the frictional stress that would otherwise lead to premature wear or breakage of the teeth

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP2048469B1Mine-clearing device for a civilian or military vehicle
Publication Date: 2010.05.26 NEXTER SYST SA
  • EP2048469B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2048469B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2048469B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The device (1) has scarification teeth (4) integrated to an evacuation blade (3). A sub-blade (7) is placed below the evacuation blade and adjusted in position with respect to the evacuation blade. The sub-blade is displaced parallel to upper stops of the teeth. The evacuation blade has a central stem (3a) fixed on a carrier structure. The structure is connected to a chassis (2) by a horizontal pivot connection. The sub-blade has capture teeth (11) placed between the scarification teeth.