Laser Light Safety Guide for Snowplow Wing Plow Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Snowplow operators face challenges in accurately guiding wing plows to avoid obstacles while operating in snowy conditions, due to poor visibility and traction, leading to potential accidents and inefficiencies in snow removal.
Innovation Solution
A laser system is mounted inside the cab of the vehicle to project a bright line or dot on the ground ahead of the wing plow, providing a visual indication of its expected path, reducing the need for complex tracking systems and minimizing lens maintenance by using existing windshield defrosting and wiper systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a side (wing) plow is added to increase the effective plowing width, then productivity is improved, but operator safety and obstacle avoidance capability deteriorate due to poor visibility and complex operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a laser light source to project a visible beam or dot onto the ground, creating a visual indicator that changes the optical properties of the operating environment. This allows the operator to see the plow's path and position clearly against the snowy background, improving obstacle avoidance capability while maintaining the extended plowing width provided by the side plow
2Measurement precision
If complex tracking systems are used to improve obstacle detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and operator burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential visual indication function needed for obstacle avoidance, using a simple laser projector mounted on the plow vehicle. This eliminates the need for complex tracking systems, sensors, and processing equipment while still providing the operator with accurate spatial information about the plow's position and path relative to obstacles
Solution Approach 2:
The laser creates a visual copy or representation of the plow's intended path on the ground surface. Instead of using complex systems to track and display actual position data, the patent projects a light pattern that mirrors the plow's operational envelope, giving the operator intuitive visual feedback without requiring complex measurement and display systems
3Illumination intensity
If externally mounted light emitting lenses are used to provide visual guidance, then illumination intensity is improved, but maintenance requirements increase due to lens contamination from snow and ice
Solution Approach 1:
The laser light source and optical components are nested within the protected environment of the vehicle cab, shielding them from direct exposure to snow, ice, and harsh weather conditions. This internal mounting arrangement maintains high illumination intensity for visual guidance while eliminating the contamination and maintenance issues associated with externally mounted lenses that are directly exposed to the elements
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 laser guide enhances operator awareness and precision, reducing the frequency of contact with obstacles and improving safety and efficiency by providing a clear visual cue for the wing plow's path, even in adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
locating or mounting a laser within a cab of the prime mover and orienting the laser to admit a visible laser beam through a transparent structure the prime mover such as a windshield
Data Source
AI summary
The laser light safety guide to assist in guiding a prime mover utilize for snowplowing including a laser that can be mounted within a cab of the prime mover and oriented to emit a visible laser beam directed through a transparent structure the prime mover. The laser light safety guide further comprises a shielding structure opaque to the visible laser beam that is trimmable or adjustable to enclose a space extending from a portion of the laser from which the visible laser beam is emitted to the transparent structure the prime mover. The shielding structure mitigates or contains reflection of the visible laser beam from an interior surface of the transparent structure.