Multi-Angled Snow Removal Blade Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing snow removal tools for roofs are often cumbersome, prone to breaking, and can damage shingles, posing safety risks and inefficiencies in clearing snow without effectively addressing ice dams and weight-related roof damage.

Innovation Solution

A multi-angled snow removal device with a blade comprising connected planar sections that dig into snow, compact it, and channel it away without touching the roof, utilizing a lightweight and adaptable design with an optional plastic sheet to collect and direct falling snow, minimizing contact with shingles and enhancing usability for various users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a heavy device with wheels is used to remove snow, then snow removal capability is improved, but the device becomes difficult to maneuver and may damage shingles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesnow removal capabilityVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The blade is divided into multiple angled panels (first panel for digging, second panel for compacting, third panel for sliding) that work together to remove snow efficiently while maintaining a lightweight, maneuverable design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using wheels that roll on shingles (which causes damage), the invention uses a blade that glides closely above shingles, inverting the traditional approach of using rolling mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If a shovel is used to remove snow manually, then snow removal is effective, but the process becomes dangerous and labor intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesnow removal effectivenessVSAvoidsafety and labor intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The blade extends perpendicular to the roof surface with multiple angled panels creating a three-dimensional snow removal mechanism that digs, compacts, and channels snow away in a single motion, improving effectiveness while reducing manual labor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If a tool with complicated mechanisms is used, then snow removal function is enhanced, but the tool becomes prone to breaking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesnow removal functionVSAvoidtool durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes complicated mechanisms from the design, retaining only the essential multi-angled blade structure that achieves effective snow removal through simple, robust panel geometry rather than complex mechanical systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Productivity

If the blade contacts the roof surface directly, then snow removal is effective, but the roof shingles may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesnow removal effectivenessVSAvoidshingle damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The third panel portion acts as an intermediary by sliding over the compacted snow, creating a protective layer that prevents direct contact between the blade and roof shingles while maintaining effective snow removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 removes snow without damaging the roof, is lightweight and easy to maneuver, and effectively prevents ice dams by dislodging snow without direct contact, making it safer and more accessible for users of varying strength levels.

Implementation Method 1

a first panel portion configured to dig into the snow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a second panel portion connected to a trailing edge of the first panel portion, the second panel portion being angled to compact a small amount of snow between the tool and the roof surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

a third panel portion connected to a trailed edge of the second panel portion, the third panel portion being configured to slide over the compacted small amount of snow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9828775B2Tool for removing snow from a roof

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 SENCHUK EARL

AI summary

A snow removal device for removing snow from a roof surface includes a multi-angled tool comprising a plurality of panels. The panels include a first panel portion configured to dig into the snow, a second panel portion connected to a trailing edge of the first panel portion, the second panel portion being angled to compact a small amount of snow between the tool and the roof surface, and a third panel portion connected to a trailed edge of the second panel portion, the third panel portion being configured to slide over the compacted small amount of snow.