Head and pole for snowmaking machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowmaking machines face issues with liquid fluid freezing inside the tubular elements, leading to ice formation and potential cracking of the ducts, as not all liquid fluid is removed when the machines are not in use, especially in cold conditions.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of additional tubular elements with a different inclination between the pole and head components allows any remaining liquid fluid to drain by gravity into the machine's base, preventing freezing and cracking, while also enabling better snow projection by allowing the head to be arranged vertically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the head is arranged vertically for better snow projection, then snow projection efficiency is improved, but liquid fluid remains in the tubular elements and freezes causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The solution adds an angular dimension to the tubular element configuration. Rather than simply tilting the entire head assembly, the third tubular elements introduce an additional inclination dimension specifically for fluid drainage. This allows the head body to remain vertically oriented for optimal snow projection while the fluid path incorporates a downward slope toward the pole base for complete drainage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the first tubular elements have a certain inclination to prevent ice in chambers, then chamber ice is prevented, but the inclination is not sufficient to drain all liquid fluid from the ducts
Solution Approach 1:
The third tubular elements are pre-configured with a greater inclination angle during installation, creating a built-in gravity drainage path. This preliminary angular configuration ensures that when the snowmaking machine stops operation, any remaining liquid fluid automatically drains by gravity to the deposit at the pole base before freezing conditions can cause damage, eliminating the need for additional drainage actions.
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 solution effectively prevents fluid from freezing within the tubular elements, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing snow distribution efficiency by ensuring complete fluid removal and improved snow projection.
Implementation Method 1
allows any remaining liquid fluid to drain by gravity into the machine's base, preventing freezing and cracking
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
It comprises a body (1) pertaining to a head (11) fixed to a pole (2) of said machine, the head (2) fixed by connection means (6) of the pole (2), first tubular elements (3,4,5) provided within pole (2) and connect to the second tubular elements (7,8,9) pertaining to body (1), a liquid fluid and an air carried throughout first tubular elements (3,4,5) to second tubular elements (7,8,9) and flowing through holes (10) provided on the body (1) to form artificial snow then characterised in that it comprises third tubular elements (12,13,14,15) pertaining to the head (11) that connect first tubular elements (3,4,5) to second tubular elements (7,8,9) and in that said third tubular elements (12,13,14,15): - have a different inclination with respect to first tubular elements (3,4,5) and to second tubular elements (7,8,9), - have a greater inclination than first tubular elements (3,4,5) defining that second tubular elements (7,8,9) are aligned to the vertical axis, and - have a different inclination with respect to each of them.