Modular Snow Clearing Device for Inclined Roofs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow clearing systems for inclined surfaces, such as roofs and solar panels, are inefficient as they primarily convey snow in a single direction, require guide rails for installation, and struggle with large areas, leading to incomplete snow removal and potential damage from snow loads.
Innovation Solution
A modular snow clearing device featuring a rotatably mounted shaft with left-handed and right-handed screw conveyors or ejector elements, allowing for controlled and metered snow removal and ejection, eliminating the need for guide rails and enabling flexible arrangement to accommodate various surface geometries and snow loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If linearly movable snow removal systems with conveyor screws are used, then snow can be conveyed in a predetermined direction, but the system requires guide rails and substructures for installation and cannot efficiently handle large roof areas
Solution Approach 1:
The snow removal system is divided into multiple modular conveyor units that can be independently arranged along the roof surface. Each module contains its own conveyor screw and can operate independently, allowing the system to handle large areas without requiring continuous guide rails throughout the entire roof.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from linear movement along guide rails to a stationary configuration where conveyor units are distributed across the roof surface in multiple dimensions. This allows snow to be collected from various locations and conveyed toward ejection points without requiring extensive guide rail infrastructure.
2Device complexity
If conveyor screws are arranged to convey snow in a single direction, then the conveying mechanism is simple, but new snow can only be picked up at the beginning of the conveyor and cannot be collected from multiple locations
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is segmented into multiple units with different orientations. Some conveyors are arranged to move snow in one direction while others are positioned to collect snow from different locations and convey it toward ejection points, maximizing coverage without requiring every component to operate in multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
Adjacent conveyor screws are arranged with opposite handness (left-handed and right-handed) to create asymmetric conveying patterns. This allows the system to collect snow from multiple locations and direct it toward central ejection points, improving coverage while maintaining relatively simple individual conveyor designs.
3Ease of manufacture
If stationary snow removal devices are used for large areas, then installation is easier than linearly movable systems, but the device must accommodate intermediate storage substructures
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the snow collection function from centralized locations and distributes it across multiple modular units positioned throughout the roof surface. Each unit collects snow locally and conveys it to nearby ejection points, eliminating the need for large intermediate storage substructures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system distributes conveyor units across the roof surface in multiple dimensions rather than relying on a single centralized collection point. This spatial distribution allows snow to be collected and ejected from various locations simultaneously, reducing or eliminating the need for intermediate storage facilities.
4Ease of operation
If conventional conveyor systems are used, then snow is conveyed horizontally or vertically, but the system cannot efficiently eject snow in controlled quantities and speeds from specific locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates specialized ejection units at specific locations along the conveyor path. These units provide localized control over snow ejection, allowing snow to be discharged in controlled quantities and speeds from predetermined positions rather than requiring the entire conveyor system to perform complex ejection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is segmented into conveying sections and ejection sections. The conveying sections负责 transporting snow, while separate ejection units handle the discharge. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with ejection units providing controlled snow removal from specific locations.
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 captures and clears snow from inclined surfaces by allowing bidirectional snow conveyance, reducing the need for guide rails and enabling targeted snow ejection, thus enhancing safety and effectiveness, especially on large surfaces like solar panels and roofs.
Implementation Method 1
conveyor elements in the form of screw modules, in particular in combination with ejector elements
Implementation Method 2
ejector elements, in particular impeller or cell wheels or curved ejectors
Data Source
Figure 1A~4B
Figure 3A~7B
Figure 8~10a
AI summary
The invention relates to a stationary device for clearing snow from inclined, preferably smooth, surfaces, especially sloping roofs and solar panel surfaces. The device comprises at least one rotatably mounted shaft on which conveying and/or ejector elements (1, 2, 3, 9) are arranged, and at least one drive system that is mechanically connected to at least one or each rotatably mounted shaft and by which the at least one or each shaft can be rotated in any direction. The device is preferably connected to means for detecting snow depth and can be operated manually, automatically, and/or by sensor control via control units. The invention also relates to the use of the device for the safe clearing of snow from inclined surfaces such as pitched roofs, solar roofs, or solar panels.