Floating A-Frame Snow Plow Coupling for Uneven Ground
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Solution Overview
Problem
Snow plow assemblies experience uneven snow removal and significant stress and wear due to irregular or uneven ground surfaces and the pushing and pulling forces involved in snow removal.
Innovation Solution
A snow plow assembly with a push frame, a lift frame, and couplings that include a bearing block extending through an opening in the push frame and a retaining member that extends through an opening in the bearing block, allowing the push frame to float vertically and rotate relative to the lift frame, thereby accommodating uneven ground surfaces and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the snow plow assembly uses a fixed rigid coupling between the push frame and lift frame, then the structural strength is improved, but the ability to accommodate uneven ground surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system transitions from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamic floating connection that allows vertical movement. The bearing blocks are positioned within openings in the push frame, allowing them to move vertically within the opening boundaries. This enables the push frame to float vertically relative to the lift frame, accommodating uneven ground surfaces while maintaining structural integrity through the constrained movement paths.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the snow plow assembly uses a fixed rigid coupling between the push frame and lift frame, then the structural stability is improved, but the wear on the push frame deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing blocks serve as intermediary elements between the push frame and lift frame. These bearing blocks are positioned within openings in the push frame and can move vertically within the opening boundaries. The bearing blocks absorb and distribute the mechanical stresses and wear forces, protecting the push frame from direct contact wear while maintaining structural stability through the mediated connection.
3Manufacturing precision
If the bearing block is fixed in position within the push frame opening, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ability to float vertically deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing block design combines precise manufacturing with dynamic capability. The bearing blocks are manufactured with precise dimensions to fit within the openings in the push frame, ensuring proper alignment and load distribution. Simultaneously, the bearing blocks are positioned within the openings allowing vertical movement, enabling the push frame to float vertically relative to the lift frame to accommodate uneven ground surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A snow plow assembly has a push frame, a lift frame, and a coupling configured to attach the push frame to a lift frame. The coupling attaches the left and right sides of the push frame to the corresponding left and right sides of the lift frame, and each coupling being independently vertically floatable to allow the push frame to float vertically relative to the lift frame, while also allowing the push frame to rotate relative to the lift frame to accommodate for irregular or uneven ground surfaces. The couplings each include a bearing block that extends through an opening in the push frame and a retaining member that extends through an opening in the bearing block for operatively coupling the push frame to the lift frame. The bearing block facilitates distribution of load between the push frame and retaining member to reduce wear on the push frame.