Dual-Axis Snow Plow Wing for Obstruction Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional snow plows with wings are limited in their ability to tilt and adjust when encountering obstructions, which can lead to damage and inefficiency in navigating uneven terrain and hidden obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A snow plow design featuring a wing that rotates about two axes, with a hydraulic actuator and spring system allowing the wing to pivot upward when encountering an obstruction, and a movable coupling system to adjust the plow's position relative to the vehicle, enabling better clearance and reduced damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wing is limited to rotation about a single axis parallel to the side edge of the main plow blade, then the plow can be positioned proximal to the vehicle sides for road travel within lane constraints, but the plow cannot effectively navigate obstructions and uneven terrain without risking damage
Solution Approach 1:
The wing is configured to rotate about two non-parallel axes instead of one: a first axis (horizontal) for positioning the wing proximal to the vehicle side during road travel, and a second axis (vertical or inclined) for allowing the wing to lift and pivot upward when encountering obstructions or uneven terrain. This dual-axis rotation adds a dimensional degree of freedom that enables the plow to adapt to both road constraints and field conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing transitions from a static, single-axis rotation system to a dynamic, multi-axis system where the wing can actively respond to encountered conditions. The second axis of rotation enables the wing to dynamically adjust its angle and position when forces are applied during plowing operations, allowing it to pivot upward over obstacles rather than remaining rigidly constrained.
2Reliability
If the plow encounters an obstruction with conventional single-axis control arms and springs, then the plow can tilt to prevent damage, but the tilting action is limited to a single axis and cannot adequately handle uneven terrain and hidden obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The control arm system is extended from single-axis tilting to multi-axis movement. The first control arm allows tilting about a first axis, while the second control arm connected to the wing enables rotation about a second non-parallel axis. This dimensional expansion allows the plow to navigate both lateral unevenness and vertical obstructions effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is divided into multiple segmented control arms (first and second control arms) rather than a single rigid tilting mechanism. Each control arm provides independent rotational freedom about different axes, allowing the plow to segment its movement response to match the segmented nature of terrain obstacles and uneven surfaces.
3Productivity
If the wing is positioned in the fully extended parallel position to maximize plow face area, then snow clearing efficiency is improved, but the plow is more likely to encounter obstructions and suffer damage
Solution Approach 1:
The wing is designed with dynamic positioning capability through dual-axis rotation, allowing it to transition between the fully extended parallel position (maximum plow face area for efficient snow clearing) and a lifted/pivoted position (reduced obstruction contact). This dynamic adaptability enables the system to optimize for productivity when terrain is clear and for reliability when obstructions are encountered.
Solution Approach 2:
The second control arm and dual-axis rotation system provide preliminary protective action by enabling the wing to lift and pivot upward before significant obstruction damage can occur. The system anticipates potential obstruction contact by providing a degree of freedom that allows the wing to clear obstacles proactively rather than reactively.
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
Enhances the snow plow's ability to navigate uneven terrain and hidden obstacles by allowing the wing to adjust and pivot, reducing the risk of damage and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A snow plow design featuring a wing that rotates about two axes, with a hydraulic actuator and spring system allowing the wing to pivot upward when encountering an obstruction
Implementation Method 2
A snow plow design featuring a wing that rotates about two axes, with a hydraulic actuator and spring system allowing the wing to pivot upward when encountering an obstruction
Data Source
AI summary
A snow plow having a wing that is rotatably coupled to a side of a primary plow, and configured to rotate about a first axis substantially parallel to the side of the primary plow. A portion of the wing is operable to rotate about a second axis that is non-parallel to the first axis, where the portion is operable to rotate upward about the second axis relative to the ground in response to the wing encountering an obstruction. A snow plow having a receiver coupled to a surface of the primary plow and an actuator coupled to the receiver. The receiver allows the snow plow to move proximally and distally with respect to a vehicle.