Pivotable Air Knife for Rapid Road Surface Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Road surfaces contaminated with water, debris, or other materials reduce tire grip, leading to hazardous conditions, especially in high-speed applications like racing, and prolonged drying times increase operational expenses and fan disappointment.
Innovation Solution
A road surface clearing system comprising an air knife with an elongate orifice, a frame, and a tow bar, which is pivotable to direct pressurized air at an angle for efficient debris and water removal, utilizing a manifold and hoses to distribute compressed air and optionally heated air for faster drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the road surface is allowed to dry naturally, then energy consumption is reduced, but the drying time is prolonged and operational expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs compressed air delivered through an air knife to rapidly clear water and debris from the road surface. The system uses a compressor to generate high-velocity air flow that is directed onto the track surface, achieving quick drying without requiring thermal energy input, thus resolving the contradiction between fast drying and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical drying methods (such as rotary squeegees or absorbent materials) with a pneumatic air knife system. This substitution eliminates direct mechanical contact with the track surface while achieving effective water and debris removal, reducing both drying time and energy requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tow bar is made rigidly fixed to the frame, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability to varying track conditions and banking angles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tow bar is designed with pivotable connections at both ends - one end pivots relative to the frame along an axis orthogonal to the track surface, and the other end pivots relative to the towing vehicle. This dynamic configuration allows the air knife system to automatically adapt to varying track banking angles, surface irregularities, and towing vehicle positions without requiring complex active control mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If the air knife is positioned at a fixed angle, then manufacturing precision is improved, but effectiveness across varying track banking angles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air knife is mounted on the pivotable tow bar assembly, which allows it to dynamically adjust its angle relative to the track surface as the towing vehicle moves or as track conditions change. This passive dynamic positioning eliminates the need for active angle control mechanisms while maintaining optimal air flow direction across varying banking angles
4Productivity
If compressed air is used to clear the surface, then debris removal effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases compared to passive drying
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses compressed air delivered through an air knife to rapidly clear water and debris from the road surface. The system uses a compressor to generate high-velocity air flow that is directed onto the track surface, achieving quick drying without requiring thermal energy input, thus resolving the contradiction between fast drying and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The air knife system applies compressed air only to the specific areas of the track surface that require clearing, rather than treating the entire surface uniformly. This targeted approach maximizes the productivity benefit while minimizing the energy consumption of the compressor
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 system effectively clears debris and dries road surfaces quickly, improving tire grip and preventing icy conditions, allowing for safer operations and reduced downtime in racing and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
an air knife with an elongate orifice extending along a line... direct pressurized air at an angle for efficient debris and water removal
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are apparatuses, methods, and systems to clear a road surface of debris, water, or other contaminants. A system for clearing a road surface is provided including an air knife with an elongate orifice extending along a line, a frame configured to support the air knife in a position substantially parallel to a plane defined by the road surface, and a tow bar coupled to the frame, where the tow bar is pivotable relative to the frame along an axis orthogonal to the plane defined by the road surface. The system may include a mounting plate connected to the tow bar, where the mounting plate is pivotably mounted to the frame. The air knife may be supplied with pressurized air to clear the road surface of debris. A guide wheel may be attached to the frame, where the guide wheel is configured to rotate about an axis orthogonal to the plane defined by the road surface.