Dual Compression Spring Ram for Snowplow Blade Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowplow assemblies are hindered by the weight of pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders, which adds unnecessary weight and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A snowplow assembly utilizing resilient members, such as springs, within a cylinder housing to pivotally connect the plow blade assembly to the mount assembly, allowing for lightweight operation and adjustable angled positions with locking and stop devices for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders are used to pivot the plow blade, then the plow blade can be effectively controlled and positioned, but the weight of the snowplow assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder from the plow blade assembly and replaces it with a lightweight resilient member (spring) that performs the same function of controlling blade positioning and damping obstacles, thereby extracting the harmful weight while preserving the essential control function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex pneumatic or hydraulic mechanical system with a simpler resilient member-based mechanical system that uses elastic deformation and mechanical advantage through linkages to achieve plow blade control, eliminating the need for heavy fluid-powered actuators
2Reliability
If heavy pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders are used, then reliable plow blade positioning is achieved, but the overall efficiency of the snowplow assembly decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy cylinder component that causes efficiency losses while retaining the essential positioning function through a lightweight resilient member system, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the actuating mechanism from heavy fluid-powered cylinders to lightweight resilient members, fundamentally altering the weight-to-function ratio and improving overall assembly efficiency while maintaining positioning reliability
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 results in a lightweight snowplow assembly that maintains operational efficiency while allowing for adjustable angled positions, enhancing maneuverability and reducing weight-related inefficiencies.
Implementation Method 1
first and second resilient members located substantially within the cylinder housing, wherein a first end of the cylinder is pivotally connected to the mount assembly and a second end of the cylinder is pivotally connected to the plow blade assembly. In some embodiments, the first and second resilient members are in an equilibrium condition when the plow blade assembly is in a substantially straight position; the first resilient member compresses when the plow blade assembly is in a first angled position; and the second resilient member compresses when the plow blade assembly is in a second angled position.
Implementation Method 2
first resilient member compresses when the plow blade assembly is in a first angled position; and the second resilient member compresses when the plow blade assembly is in a second angled position
Data Source
AI summary
A snowplow assembly includes a mount assembly operatively connected to an associated vehicle, a plow blade assembly pivotally connected to the mount assembly, and a cylinder with a first end pivotally connected to the mount assembly and a second end pivotally connected to the plow blade assembly. The cylinder can include at least one resilient member. The resilient member exerts a force in a first direction when the plow blade assembly is in a first angled position, and the resilient member exerts a force in a second direction when the plow blade assembly is in a second angled position.