Multiple Speed Impeller Snow Thrower Drive Train
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional snow throwers often bog down when clearing snow due to overburdening, as they require significant force to move forward, leading to re-circulation of snow and increased load on the engine, especially when clearing between structures.
Innovation Solution
A snow thrower with an operator-selectable multiple speed impeller system, featuring a first and second drive train connected to a crankshaft, allowing the operator to switch between two rotational speeds for the impeller, reducing re-circulation and improving efficiency by controlling the distance snow is thrown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the snow thrower moves forward quickly to clear snow efficiently, then productivity increases, but the snow thrower compacts snow into the housing and bogs down due to overburdening
Solution Approach 1:
The impeller speed is made variable through two selectable drive trains, allowing the system to dynamically adapt impeller rotation speed to match operating conditions. This enables the snow thrower to throw snow farther without compacting it into the housing, maintaining reliable operation while improving clearing efficiency
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the chute is directed forwardly to avoid throwing snow onto adjacent structures, then harmful factors are reduced, but snow is re-circulated and must be removed multiple times
Solution Approach 1:
The impeller rotation speed parameter is changed by selecting different drive trains, allowing snow to be thrown farther horizontally. This enables the chute to be directed forwardly without re-circulating snow, as the increased throw distance eliminates the need for repeated passes
3Ease of operation
If the impeller rotates at continuous velocity to maintain constant snow throw distance, then operational simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different snow conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides discrete dynamic adjustment of impeller speed through two selectable drive trains, balancing operational simplicity with adaptability. Operators can choose between two speed settings based on snow conditions without complex controls, maintaining ease of use while improving versatility
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 multiple speed impeller system enhances snow thrower efficiency by reducing re-circulation and the need for repeated passes, allowing for more effective snow removal with less engine load, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing snow accumulation depth.
Implementation Method 1
The first drive pulley is attached to said crankshaft via a one-way bearing
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A snow thrower having a power supply with a crankshaft operatively connected thereto is provided. The snow thrower further includes an impeller operatively connected to a first drive shaft (28). A first drive train (250) operatively connects the crankshaft to the first drive shaft to provide a first rotational speed of the first drive shaft and impeller. An impeller speed adjustment assembly includes a second drive train (243) that operatively connects the crankshaft to the first drive shaft to provide a second rotational speed of the first drive shaft and impeller therebetween, wherein the first and second rotational speeds of the first drive shaft and impeller are different.