Mobile Snow Processing With Heated-Grid De-Icing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional snow removal and de-icing devices face limitations such as inefficiency, maneuverability issues, environmental impact, and the need for separate equipment, particularly in managing heavy snow and ice accumulation, with integrated systems often compromising on efficiency or maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A mobile snow processing and de-icing device equipped with cylindrical and circular brushes, turbo-suction sweepers, a de-icing unit with a heated metal grid, and a sprinkler unit to convert snow into slush and spray a diluted de-icing solution, providing dual functionality, enhanced mobility, precision, and eco-friendly de-icing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional snow blowers are used for snow removal, then lighter snowfall can be effectively removed, but wet and heavy snow requires multiple passes and increased energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines snow removal and de-icing functions into a single integrated device. The snow blower collects and removes snow while the de-icing system simultaneously applies de-icing agents to the underlying surface, eliminating the need for separate equipment and multiple passes, thereby improving productivity while managing energy consumption through coordinated operation of both systems
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions: snow collection, snow removal, and de-icing of the underlying surface. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to handle both light and heavy snow conditions effectively, improving overall productivity across different snow types without proportionally increasing energy consumption
2Area of stationary object
If plows are used for clearing roads and larger areas, then snow can be removed from large surfaces, but operators face challenges in maneuverability and precision in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the snow removal task into two distinct functions performed by separate but coordinated systems: a snow blower for collecting and removing snow, and a de-icing system for treating the underlying surface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the snow blower handling bulk removal and the de-icing system providing precise treatment in tight spaces, thereby improving both coverage area and maneuverability
3Reliability
If conventional de-icing agents such as rock salt are used, then ice formation can be mitigated, but environmental concerns arise regarding impact on soil and water quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the de-icing agent by using alternative substances such as calcium magnesium acetate or potassium acetate instead of traditional rock salt. These alternative agents maintain de-icing effectiveness while reducing harmful environmental impacts on soil and water quality, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and environmental harm
4Productivity
If separate equipment is used for snow removal and de-icing, then each function can be optimized independently, but operators require multiple pieces of equipment for comprehensive winter maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges snow removal and de-icing equipment into a single integrated vehicle-mounted system. The snow blower and de-icing system are combined with a shared power source and control system, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously from one device. This reduces the number of equipment pieces required while maintaining the functional optimization of each subsystem
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 device efficiently processes snow into a liquid state, reduces environmental impact, and prevents further snow accumulation, offering time-saving and cost-effective solutions adaptable to urban environments.
Implementation Method 1
a heated metal grid arranged at an inlet of at least one de-icing tank to convert the collected snow into a slush
Implementation Method 2
at least one turbo-suction sweeper configured to sweep the scraped off snow from the surface using one or more turbo-suction motors through at least one collecting tube
Implementation Method 3
at least one sprinkler system, connected to an outlet of the at least one de-icing tank, configured to spray the diluted de-icing solution from the at least one de-icing tank back on the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile snow processing and de-icing machine and method is disclosed. The device comprises a collecting unit featuring cylindrical and circular brushes to effectively scrape and remove snow from surfaces. Turbo-suction sweepers, driven by Turbo-suction motors adapted to clear the scraped off snow through a collecting tube. A de-icing unit employs a heated metal grid at an inlet of a de-icing tank, converting collected snow into slush. Connected to the collecting tube's output, the de-icing tank further mixes the slush with a prestored de-icing solution, preparing a diluted deicing solution. The device further provides a sprinkler unit linked to an outlet of the de-icing tank, allowing a controlled spraying of the diluted de-icing solution back onto surfaces. This comprehensive mobile solution ensures efficient snow removal and proactive prevention of snow formation.