Modular Foam Plow Blade Attachment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow removal methods for residential driveways, such as snow shovels and snow blowers, are inefficient and require significant physical effort, expense, and maintenance, while heavy-duty snow plows require substantial investment and storage space, and most homeowners lack access to necessary equipment.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, modular snow plow designed for easy attachment to vehicles without modifications, using interlocking ABS plastic blade sections and a stud-cog system for propulsion, allowing for adjustable direction and easy assembly/disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heavy-duty steel snow plows are used, then snow removal capability is improved, but weight and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plow blade is divided into multiple detachable sections that can be connected together. Each section is made of lightweight material, and they can be assembled in different configurations depending on the amount of snow to be removed, allowing the plow to maintain effectiveness while reducing overall weight and storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite or lightweight materials instead of traditional heavy steel for the plow blade construction. This maintains the necessary strength for snow removal while significantly reducing the weight of the plow, making it easier to attach to and store on passenger vehicles.
2Productivity
If heavy-duty steel snow plows are used, then snow removal capability is improved, but storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented blade design allows the plow to be disassembled into smaller components that can be stored in compact spaces on passenger vehicles. The sections can be nested or stacked together, dramatically reducing the storage volume required compared to a solid heavy-duty plow.
3Quantity of substance
If snow shovels are used, then equipment cost is reduced, but physical effort and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plow is designed to be attachable to common passenger vehicles that most homeowners already own, eliminating the need for specialized equipment like snow blowers or heavy-duty trucks. This provides a cost-effective solution that still offers mechanical advantage over manual shoveling, reducing both time and physical effort.
4Strength
If plow support structures are welded or bolted to automobile frame, then attachment strength is improved, but vehicle modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting structure that attaches to existing vehicle components (such as the bumper or frame rails) without requiring welding or permanent modification. This intermediary structure provides sufficient attachment strength while maintaining ease of installation and removal, and does not require modifying the vehicle itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal use plow for pushing, but not limited to, snow and slush from one's driveway by most passenger automobiles and/or ATVs that is attached using a unique strapping and cog bracing system. The plow is made of injected molded structural foam plastic and comes in five (5) separate panels that can be easily assembled into a solid plow blade. This material is lightweight and allows for easy transportation, storage and use. When assembled, the plow can be used either in the front or back of the vehicle. The plow attaches to the vehicle by a special hook, designed as part of this patent, which attaches to the hood, trunk or luggage rack of the vehicle. All parts for the functionality of the plow are contained on the plow itself, so there are no brackets or hitches required to be attached to the bumpers of the vehicle.