Dual Disc Winter Spreader with Centrifugal Liquid Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing winter service spreaders lack flexibility in applying different types and consistencies of spreading materials, limiting their effectiveness and efficiency under varying operating conditions, and often require significant construction and equipment costs to achieve optimal spreading results.

Innovation Solution

A winter service spreader design featuring a truncated cone-shaped centrifugal disc with adjustable drivers and a feed system allowing for independent control of two spreading materials, including a secondary container for liquid materials, enables flexible application of various types and consistencies of spreading materials with minimal construction costs, by synchronizing the rotation and throwing characteristics of both discs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single spreading disc is used for applying spreading materials, then the device structure remains simple, but the flexibility in applying different types and consistencies of spreading materials is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in applying different types and consistencies of spreading materialsVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spreading device is segmented into two independent spreading discs: a first spreading disc for granulated spreading material and a second spreading disc for liquid spreading material. Each disc can be independently controlled and adjusted, allowing flexible application of different material types and consistencies while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Both spreading discs are designed with universal characteristics - they can handle different types of spreading materials (granulated or liquid) and can be independently adjusted to optimize performance for various operating conditions. The shared drive mechanism provides universal power transmission while allowing independent speed control for each disc

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two independent spreading systems are used for different materials, then material application flexibility is improved, but construction and equipment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial application flexibilityVSAvoidconstruction and equipment costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Two independent spreading systems are merged into a single integrated device with shared components: a common drive mechanism powers both spreading discs, a single vehicle chassis supports both material containers and spreading systems, and coordinated control systems manage both material applications simultaneously. This combining approach achieves high material application flexibility while significantly reducing construction and equipment costs compared to two separate systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device applies composite spreading material compositions by simultaneously or sequentially applying granulated spreading material from the first disc and liquid spreading material from the second disc. The composite application allows optimization of spreading performance for different road conditions while using cost-effective material combinations rather than requiring expensive specialized equipment for each material type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

This design enhances flexibility and efficiency in spreading operations, allowing for customizable mixing ratios of materials like salt and grit, optimizing spreading success with reduced material costs and environmental impact, while maintaining low apparatus and construction costs.

Implementation Method 1

a ring-shaped centrifugal disc (6), equipped with throwing blades (7) on its upper side, rotating coaxially to the spreader disc (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3359742B1Spreading device for use in winter
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 AEBI SCHMIDT NEDERLAND
  • EP3359742B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a spreading device for use in winter, comprising a spreading material container which receives a first spreading material, a discharge device arranged in the base area of same, and a dispensing device (3) that is charged by said discharge device and comprises a rotationally-driven spreading plate (2). A secondary container is also provided which receives a second spreading material. Above the spreading plate (2), an annular centrifugal disc (6) is provided that is equipped on its upper side with baffle plates (7), rotates coaxially to said spreading plate (2), and has a central opening (9). At least one outlet element (11) of an outlet device (13) for the second spreading material, in communication with said secondary container, is directed to the centrifugal disc (6).