Perpendicular Snow Blade Pulling Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional snow removal methods using shovels require significant effort and time, causing strain on the user's back and cardiovascular system, and are slow, leading to prolonged exposure to cold environments.

Innovation Solution

A snow removal device with a handle and a removably coupled blade, where the handle is positioned substantially perpendicular to the blade to facilitate pulling the blade towards the user, reducing the need for pushing and lifting, and allowing for attachment of multiple tools for various tasks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional shoveling method (pushing, lifting, and throwing snow) is used, then snow can be removed from the surface, but it requires substantial effort and time, causing strain on the user's back and cardiovascular system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of snow removalVSAvoiduser strain and cardiovascular stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional shoveling action by switching from pushing snow away from the user to pulling snow toward the user. The blade is positioned perpendicular to the handle, allowing the user to pull the blade through snow and lift it directly toward themselves, eliminating the need to push and throw snow over the shoulder. This inversion of the action direction significantly reduces strain on the back and cardiovascular system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If conventional shoveling method is used, then snow can be removed, but the process is slow, causing the user to remain in the cold environment for long periods of time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesnow removal speedVSAvoidtime spent in cold environment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous snow removal by allowing the user to pull the blade through snow and immediately lift it toward themselves in an uninterrupted motion. The perpendicular blade orientation and curved handle design facilitate a continuous pulling and lifting action without the need to stop, reposition, or reset the shovel, thereby increasing productivity and reducing total time spent in cold environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If conventional shovel design is used, then snow can be moved, but it requires pushing the shovel into and under snow, then lifting the snow filled shovel to throw the snow load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidphysical effort required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional shoveling action by switching from pushing snow away from the user to pulling snow toward the user. The blade is positioned perpendicular to the handle, allowing the user to pull the blade through snow and lift it directly toward themselves, eliminating the need to push and throw snow over the shoulder. This inversion of the action direction significantly reduces strain on the back and cardiovascular system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational dimension by positioning the blade perpendicular to the handle rather than parallel, and by curving the handle to align with the user's pulling motion. This dimensional change allows the user to pull the blade horizontally through snow and then lift vertically in a smooth, continuous arc, reducing the physical effort required compared to the conventional push-lift-throw sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20240279891A1Apparatus and method for moving snow

Publication Date: 2024.08.22 SYBCON GLOBAL LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a device for moving snow, comprising: a handle; a blade including a body having a lower edge for engaging a snow covered surface and a front surface facing the handle; and a bracket for connecting the handle to the blade, the bracket being connected to the body of the blade and configured to position the handle in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the blade to facilitate pulling the blade toward a user of the device to remove snow from the snow covered surface.