Multiple-Stage Snow Thrower Segmentation Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow throwers often require significant force to operate effectively and can become bogged down due to snow accumulation, as they typically rely on single- or two-stage mechanisms that either contact and expel snow in a single motion or use impellers to centrifugally discharge snow, leading to inefficiencies in snow removal.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-stage snow thrower design featuring a power supply connected to multiple stages, where each stage is operatively connected to expel, push, and transfer snow, with independent rotational capabilities to enhance snow removal efficiency and reduce accumulation within the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-stage or two-stage mechanisms are used to expel snow, then the device structure is simpler, but the device becomes bogged down due to snow accumulation in the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The snow thrower is divided into multiple independent stages (first stage assembly with auger, second stage assembly with impeller, third stage assembly with impeller) that work sequentially. Each stage handles a portion of the snow removal task, preventing overload and bogging down while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
2Speed
If the snow thrower is driven forward quickly to clear snow, then the clearing speed is faster, but the snow is compacted into the housing causing the device to bog down
Solution Approach 1:
The first stage assembly with the auger performs preliminary loosening and breaking up of snow before it enters the housing. This preliminary action prevents compacted snow from being pushed into the housing during forward movement, allowing faster clearing speeds without bogging down
3Length of moving object
If impellers are used to centrifugally discharge snow, then the snow throwing distance is increased, but the device requires significant force to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The snow discharge function is divided into multiple impeller stages (second stage and third stage assemblies) that work sequentially. Each impeller stage contributes partially to the final throwing distance, reducing the force requirement for each individual impeller while achieving the cumulative effect of long-distance snow discharge
4Productivity
If multiple-stage design is implemented to reduce snow accumulation, then the snow removal efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional stages (auger stage, first impeller stage, second impeller stage) that can be independently designed and optimized. This modular segmentation improves snow removal efficiency by handling different aspects of snow processing separately while keeping overall complexity manageable through standardized components and interfaces
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-stage design allows for more efficient snow removal by distributing the workload across multiple stages, reducing the need for excessive force and minimizing snow re-circulation, thereby improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the snow thrower.
Implementation Method 1
Impellers are usually devices such as discs and blades that are shaped and configured such that when rotated they receive materials (snow) and then centrifugally discharge the materials
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-stage snow thrower having a housing, a power supply operatively connected to a plurality of drive shafts for rotating a plurality of stage assemblies. Each stage assembly of the multiple-stage snow thrower is configured to move snow either axially along the axis of rotation or radially away from the axis of rotation. The first stage assembly is configured to expel snow from the housing, thereby throwing the snow away from the snow thrower. The second, third, and fourth stages assemblies are configured to push the snow toward the longitudinal centerline of the housing and then rearwardly toward the first stage assembly.