Reinforced Elastomeric Plow Blade with Embedded Fibers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing snow plow blades face durability and performance issues due to exposure to rough terrain and cold weather, leading to frequent damage and replacement, as well as surface damage and shock loads transmitted to vehicles.

Innovation Solution

The development of reinforced elastomeric blades with strategically oriented fibers and embedded scraping elements, such as mesh or metal inserts, to enhance strength and durability while minimizing surface damage and shock loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid metallic blade edges are used, then structural strength is improved, but surface damage and shock loads increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidsurface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining elastomeric material with embedded fiber reinforcement and metal scraping elements. The elastomeric base provides shock absorption and surface protection, while the embedded fibers and metal elements provide structural strength and cutting capability, resolving the contradiction between strength and surface damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by strategically orienting fibers and positioning metal scraping elements within the elastomeric blade. Different regions of the blade have different properties: the elastomeric matrix provides cushioning in contact areas, while reinforced regions provide structural support, allowing the blade to simultaneously reduce surface damage and maintain strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If rigid metallic blade edges are used, then structural strength is improved, but shock loads transmitted to vehicle increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidshock loads

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The composite structure of elastomeric material with embedded reinforcement provides both strength and shock absorption. The elastomeric matrix acts as a shock absorber, reducing the transmission of impact forces to the vehicle, while the embedded fibers and metal elements maintain structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between strength and shock load reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric blade acts as a flexible structure that can deform under impact loads, absorbing shock energy through elastic deformation. This flexibility reduces the transmission of shock loads to the vehicle mounting components while maintaining sufficient structural strength through embedded reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional elastomeric blades are used, then surface protection is improved, but durability and wear resistance decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface protectionVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials combining elastomeric base material with embedded fiber reinforcement and metal scraping elements. The elastomeric material provides surface protection and shock absorption, while the embedded fibers and metal elements significantly enhance wear resistance and durability, resolving the contradiction between surface protection and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by strategically placing metal scraping elements and orienting fibers in high-wear regions. This creates localized reinforcement where it is most needed, enhancing durability in critical areas while maintaining the surface-protecting elastomeric characteristics in contact areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If metallic blade edges are used, then cutting effectiveness is improved, but corrosion resistance and life span decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting effectivenessVSAvoidcorrosion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials where metal scraping elements are embedded in a corrosion-resistant elastomeric matrix. The metal elements provide cutting effectiveness, while the elastomeric material protects them from corrosion and extends the overall blade life span, resolving the contradiction between cutting effectiveness and corrosion resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric material acts as an intermediary between the metal scraping elements and the environment. It protects the metal elements from direct exposure to corrosive conditions (water, road salt, moisture) while allowing them to perform their cutting function, thereby extending corrosion resistance and life span.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250122680A1Reinforced elastomeric blade

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 WINTER EQUIPMENT COMPANY

AI summary

A plow blade assembly for mechanically fastening to a moldboard is provided and includes an elastomeric plow blade. The elastomeric plow blade is configured to contact a road surface and includes a first elastomeric layer, a second elastomeric layer arranged over the first elastomeric layer, a first reinforcement layer sandwiched between the first and second elastomeric layers, a third elastomeric layer arranged over the second elastomeric layer, and a second reinforcement layer sandwiched between the second and third elastomeric layers. The first reinforcement layer has at least one of a different orientation, structure, or material than the second reinforcement layer.