Rear-Mounted Spreader Attachment for Unobstructed Operator Visibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current de-icing material distribution systems are inefficient due to the need for central storage, labor-intensive transfer processes, and obstructions in existing spreading attachments that hinder operator visibility, leading to delays and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a spreader attachment for loading machines and a tote that allows for on-site storage and direct transfer of de-icing materials, featuring a discharge mechanism and a closure member that prevents environmental degradation, enabling efficient and unobstructed spreading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If de-icing material is stored at a central storage location and transported to application sites, then the material can be stored in a controlled environment, but the distribution process requires substantial time and costs due to the need to employ crews to drive, load, and deliver the material
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the de-icing material storage into multiple portable totes that can be distributed to multiple application sites simultaneously. Instead of one central storage location serving all sites sequentially, the material is segmented into discrete units (totes) that can be independently transported and deployed, parallelizing the distribution process and reducing total time.
Solution Approach 2:
The totes are pre-filled with de-icing material at a central location before being transported to application sites. This preliminary action of pre-filling eliminates the need for on-site loading operations, allowing crews to simply transport and deploy pre-prepared totes, thereby reducing the time and labor required at each application site.
2Ease of manufacture
If de-icing material is transferred manually with a shovel, then the material can be loaded into spreading machines, but the process is labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The manual shoveling operation is extracted and replaced by a mechanical loading system. The spreader attachment includes a loading mechanism that automatically transfers material from the tote container into the spreading mechanism, eliminating the need for manual shoveling and significantly reducing labor intensity while maintaining loading capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional attachments are used on loading machines for spreading material, then the spreading function is achieved, but the attachments obstruct the field of view of the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment design transitions from a traditional side-mounted or front-mounted spreader to a rear-mounted configuration on the loading machine. This dimensional repositioning moves the spreading mechanism to the rear of the machine, clearing the front and side fields of view for the operator while still achieving effective material distribution through the rear discharge mechanism.
4Area of stationary object
If de-icing material is stored outdoors, then space constraints are avoided, but the material will degrade when exposed to environmental elements
Solution Approach 1:
The tote containers are designed with sealed lids and closure members that create a protective barrier between the de-icing material and the external environment. This flexible sealing system allows the totes to be stored outdoors in various weather conditions while preventing moisture, contamination, and environmental degradation of the material, maintaining both outdoor storage flexibility and material integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A material spreading system may include a tote and a spreader attachable to a loading machine. The spreader may include a frame, an inlet, a lift arm, and a discharge mechanism configured to selectively discharge the material onto the ground. The tote may include a container having a plurality of walls enclosing an internal volume for storing a material. An opening may be formed in one of the plurality of walls and communicate with the internal volume. The tote may additionally include a lift arm engaging surface configured to engage the lift arm and permit the lift arm to manipulate the tote. The tote may also include a closure member at least partially covering the opening and configured to selectively permit transfer of the material from the container to the inlet of the spreader in response to the material exerting a force on the closure member.